Friday, December 17, 2004

This Holiday Season: If You Catch A Buzz, Catch A Ride

The month of December through Christmas and New Year's Eve is one of the busiest on the nation's roadways and also one of the most dangerous, due to a high incidence of alcohol-related traffic crashes.

That's why the Atlantic County Highway Safety Task Force and the Atlantic County Association of Chiefs of Police are joining with other national, state and local highway safety and law enforcement officials to remind everyone this holiday season to always designate a sober driver before each holiday party or event involving alcohol.

"The holiday season is supposed to be a time for family, friends, and festive celebrations, but it is unfortunately also a time when we see a tragic jump in the number of alcohol-related highway fatalities. That's why we are reminding everyone, if you catch a buzz, catch a ride," said Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson.

Nationally, more than 17,000 people died in alcohol-related highway crashes during 2003. There were 140 people killed by drunk drivers in New Jersey last year and 7 in Atlantic County.

Intervention is the key to preventing drunk driving. Research indicates that one of the most effective deterrents to drinking and driving is convincing people to take it upon themselves to stop an alcoholic-impaired friend, relative, anyone from getting behind the wheel. The County Executive is encouraging the public to become involved in the "Hero Campaign" for Designated Drivers and Atlantic County's "Safe Ride Home Program." "This holiday season, the greatest gift you can give may be a ride home," said Levinson.

The Hero Campaign was established by the family of Ensign John R. Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, who was killed by a drunk driver on July 22, 2000. The campaign encourages people to participate in designated driver programs throughout South Jersey. Over 150 restaurants, bars and taverns have joined the "Hero Campaign" and will provide non-alcoholic beverages to designated drivers.

A number of organizations, businesses, and colleges are also supporting free Safe Ride Home programs for people who have had too much to drink. The organizations and businesses include: The Atlantic County Mainland Chamber of Commerce, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Stockton State College, Atlantic Cape Community College, Yellow Cab Company, Westmoreland Vesper & Schwartz Law Firm, ALPHA Message Center, Point Auto Repair, Initial Security, Guenther & Son's Automotive Repair, participating members of the Margate Tavern Owners Association and Somers Point License Beverage Association, Kramer Beverage Company and Harrison Beverage Company. The Safe Ride Home Hot-Line 1-877-550-4376 (HERO), will be posted at participating restaurants, bars and taverns.

As part of the You Drink & Drive. You Lose. National Crackdown, police will be out in force from December 20, 2004, to January 2, 2004, conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout Atlantic County to arrest and prosecute DWI offenders.

According to Atlantic County Highway Safety Director Michael Schurman, as of December 15, 2004, the County had experienced 35 traffic fatalities compared with 38 all of last year and 55 in 2002. There have been 8 alcohol related highway deaths in the County since January 1, 2004, compared with 7 in 2003 and 15 in 2002.

There were 6 traffic fatalities last year in New Jersey during the two day Christmas Holiday and two day New Year's Holiday, including a pedestrian death in Buena Vista Township.

The four day Christmas Holiday period officially begins at 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 23, 2004, and runs through 11:59 PM on Sunday, December 26, 2004. The New Year's four day Holiday period begins at 6:00 PM on December 30 and runs through 11:59 PM on January 1, 2004. For further information contact Atlantic County Director of Highway Safety & Community Affairs Michael Schurman at (609)407-6739.






Holiday Safety, page 3


Editors, Note: Nine out of 10 Americans who participate in social events where alcohol is served feel that people should use designated drivers. The Atlantic County Office of Highway Safety suggests that party hosts include alcohol-free beverages and protein-rich foods, along with reminding guests to plan ahead and remember the following advice:

Don't risk it - If you plan to drive, don't drink.

Choose a sober designated driver before partying.

Take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a friend to drive you home.

Spend the night where the activity is being held.

Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.

Always wear your safety belt - your best defense against a drunk driver.














THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
IF YOU CATCH A BUZZ, CATCH A RIDE
Atlantic County Executive Encourages Participation in
"Hero Campaign" & "Safe Ride Home" Program

The month of December through Christmas and New Year's Eve is one of the busiest on the nation's roadways and also one of the most dangerous, due to a high incidence of alcohol-related traffic crashes.

That's why the Atlantic County Highway Safety Task Force and the Atlantic County Association of Chiefs of Police are joining with other national, state and local highway safety and law enforcement officials to remind everyone this holiday season to always designate a sober driver before each holiday party or event involving alcohol.

"The holiday season is supposed to be a time for family, friends, and festive celebrations, but it is unfortunately also a time when we see a tragic jump in the number of alcohol-related highway fatalities. That's why we are reminding everyone, if you catch a buzz, catch a ride," said Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson.

Nationally, more than 17,000 people died in alcohol-related highway crashes during 2003. There were 140 people killed by drunk drivers in New Jersey last year and 7 in Atlantic County.

Intervention is the key to preventing drunk driving. Research indicates that one of the most effective deterrents to drinking and driving is convincing people to take it upon themselves to stop an alcoholic-impaired friend, relative, anyone from getting behind the wheel. The County Executive is encouraging the public to become involved in the "Hero Campaign" for Designated Drivers and Atlantic County's "Safe Ride Home Program." "This holiday season, the greatest gift you can give may be a ride home, said Levinson.

The Hero Campaign was established by the family of Ensign John R. Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, who was killed by a drunk driver on July 22, 2000. The campaign encourages people to participate in designated driver programs throughout South Jersey. Over 150 restaurants, bars and taverns have joined the "Hero Campaign" and will provide non-alcoholic beverages to designated drivers.

Holiday Safety, page 2


A number of organizations, businesses, and colleges are also supporting free Safe Ride Home programs for people who have had too much to drink. The organizations and businesses include: The Atlantic County Mainland Chamber of Commerce, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Stockton State College, Atlantic Cape Community College, Yellow Cab Company, Westmoreland Vesper & Schwartz Law Firm, ALPHA Message Center, Point Auto Repair, Initial Security, Guenther & Son's Automotive Repair, participating members of the Margate Tavern Owners Association and Somers Point License Beverage Association, Kramer Beverage Company and Harrison Beverage Company. The Safe Ride Home Hot-Line 1-877-550-4376 (HERO), will be posted at participating restaurants, bars and taverns.

As part of the You Drink & Drive. You Lose. National Crackdown, police will be out in force from December 20, 2004, to January 2, 2004, conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout Atlantic County to arrest and prosecute DWI offenders.

According to Atlantic County Highway Safety Director Michael Schurman, as of December 15, 2004, the County had experienced 35 traffic fatalities compared with 38 all of last year and 55 in 2002. There have been 8 alcohol related highway deaths in the County since January 1, 2004, compared with 7 in 2003 and 15 in 2002.

There were 6 traffic fatalities last year in New Jersey during the two day Christmas Holiday and two day New Year's Holiday, including a pedestrian death in Buena Vista Township.

The four day Christmas Holiday period officially begins at 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 23, 2004, and runs through 11:59 PM on Sunday, December 26, 2004. The New Year's four day Holiday period begins at 6:00 PM on December 30 and runs through 11:59 PM on January 1, 2004. For further information contact Atlantic County Director of Highway Safety & Community Affairs Michael Schurman at (609) 407-6739.






Holiday Safety, page 3


Editors, Note: Nine out of 10 Americans who participate in social events where alcohol is served feel that people should use designated drivers. The Atlantic County Office of Highway Safety suggests that party hosts include alcohol-free beverages and protein-rich foods, along with reminding guests to plan ahead and remember the following advice:

Don't risk it - If you plan to drive, don't drink.

Choose a sober designated driver before partying.

Take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a friend to drive you home.

Spend the night where the activity is being held.

Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.

Always wear your safety belt - your best defense against a drunk driver.













THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
IF YOU CATCH A BUZZ, CATCH A RIDE
Atlantic County Executive Encourages Participation in
"Hero Campaign" & "Safe Ride Home" Program

The month of December through Christmas and New Year's Eve is one of the busiest on the nation's roadways and also one of the most dangerous, due to a high incidence of alcohol-related traffic crashes.

That's why the Atlantic County Highway Safety Task Force and the Atlantic County Association of Chiefs of Police are joining with other national, state and local highway safety and law enforcement officials to remind everyone this holiday season to always designate a sober driver before each holiday party or event involving alcohol.

"The holiday season is supposed to be a time for family, friends, and festive celebrations, but it is unfortunately also a time when we see a tragic jump in the number of alcohol-related highway fatalities. That's why we are reminding everyone, if you catch a buzz, catch a ride," said Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson.

Nationally, more than 17,000 people died in alcohol-related highway crashes during 2003. There were 140 people killed by drunk drivers in New Jersey last year and 7 in Atlantic County.

Intervention is the key to preventing drunk driving. Research indicates that one of the most effective deterrents to drinking and driving is convincing people to take it upon themselves to stop an alcoholic-impaired friend, relative, anyone from getting behind the wheel. The County Executive is encouraging the public to become involved in the "Hero Campaign" for Designated Drivers and Atlantic County's "Safe Ride Home Program." "This holiday season, the greatest gift you can give may be a ride home, said Levinson.

The Hero Campaign was established by the family of Ensign John R. Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, who was killed by a drunk driver on July 22, 2000. The campaign encourages people to participate in designated driver programs throughout South Jersey. Over 150 restaurants, bars and taverns have joined the "Hero Campaign" and will provide non-alcoholic beverages to designated drivers.

Holiday Safety, page 2


A number of organizations, businesses, and colleges are also supporting free Safe Ride Home programs for people who have had too much to drink. The organizations and businesses include: The Atlantic County Mainland Chamber of Commerce, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Stockton State College, Atlantic Cape Community College, Yellow Cab Company, Westmoreland Vesper & Schwartz Law Firm, ALPHA Message Center, Point Auto Repair, Initial Security, Guenther & Son's Automotive Repair, participating members of the Margate Tavern Owners Association and Somers Point License Beverage Association, Kramer Beverage Company and Harrison Beverage Company. The Safe Ride Home Hot-Line 1-877-550-4376 (HERO), will be posted at participating restaurants, bars and taverns.

As part of the You Drink & Drive. You Lose. National Crackdown, police will be out in force from December 20, 2004, to January 2, 2004, conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols throughout Atlantic County to arrest and prosecute DWI offenders.

According to Atlantic County Highway Safety Director Michael Schurman, as of December 15, 2004, the County had experienced 35 traffic fatalities compared with 38 all of last year and 55 in 2002. There have been 8 alcohol related highway deaths in the County since January 1, 2004, compared with 7 in 2003 and 15 in 2002.

There were 6 traffic fatalities last year in New Jersey during the two day Christmas Holiday and two day New Year's Holiday, including a pedestrian death in Buena Vista Township.

The four day Christmas Holiday period officially begins at 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 23, 2004, and runs through 11:59 PM on Sunday, December 26, 2004. The New Year's four day Holiday period begins at 6:00 PM on December 30 and runs through 11:59 PM on January 1, 2004. For further information contact Atlantic County Director of Highway Safety & Community Affairs Michael Schurman at (609) 407-6739.






Holiday Safety, page 3


Editors, Note: Nine out of 10 Americans who participate in social events where alcohol is served feel that people should use designated drivers. The Atlantic County Office of Highway Safety suggests that party hosts include alcohol-free beverages and protein-rich foods, along with reminding guests to plan ahead and remember the following advice:

Don't risk it - If you plan to drive, don't drink.

Choose a sober designated driver before partying.

Take mass transit, a taxicab or ask a friend to drive you home.

Spend the night where the activity is being held.

Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.

Always wear your safety belt - your best defense against a drunk driver.

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