Somerset County will begin their annual crackdown on drunken driving during the holiday season. In many towns throughout Somerset County police officers have already stepped up their undercover efforts to catch people with alcoholic beverages. Police will be conducting “saturation patrols” and sobriety checkpoints throughout the holiday party season. “This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of year when impaired driving traditionally increases by nearly 10 percent,” Prosecutor Geoffrey Soriano said. In 2012, 19 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. In Hillsborough, plain-clothed officers charged three township residents within one hour on the evening before Thanksgiving with underage possession of alcohol as they were leaving one liquor store, police said. “This initiative brings attention to the consequences of drunken driving and grave danger those who choose to drink and drive pose to those individuals with whom they share the road,” says Soriano. Given summonses to appear in municipal court were township residents Taylor Wehrle, 20; Nicholas Villa, 18 and Martin Wawszkowicz, 18. Throughout the year and during the holiday season, the Hillsborough Police Department station officers in or near liquor stores and in some cases, an officer may pose as a store employee, police said.
The holiday season has always seen an increase in alcohol use and sadly in most cases people are not able to control themselves. That is why it is important to get the help needed before you ruin an innocent live, all because you were behind the wheel while intoxicated. If you recognize your battle with alcohol is becoming more and more tiring than seek the help needed to better your life, before you end up taking someone elses. To learn more about ways to get treatment call: (888) 223-0298.