Local police add patrols in crackdown on DWI

The Old Bridge and Sayreville police departments are increasing their efforts to stop drunken drivers during the holiday season.

The two police forces are taking part in the "You Drink and Drive, You Lose" year-end crackdown program sponsored by the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety.

The program runs from earlier this week through Jan. 2.

Both departments will have more officers patrolling the roadways in search of drunken drivers.

Sayreville Police Sgt. John Bartlinski said the $5,000 grant his department received will help borough police increase patrols over these four weeks.

"Officers will be out during this holiday season with dedicated road patrols to vigorously enforce the driving laws of this state," Bartlinski said.

Old Bridge police will be working with the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office in establishing checkpoints to check for intoxicated drivers during this monthlong period.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that more than 18,000 impaired driving deaths took place in 2005. The report also indicated that intoxicated driving is viewed by many as a threat to their safety and remains a major concern on the roadways.

In particular, the end of the year and the beginning of the new year are times for social gatherings that often include alcohol.

The goal of the "You Drink, You Drive, You Lose" program is to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through additional manpower and increased visibility, and to arrest motorists who choose to drive while impaired.

Law enforcement agencies offered the following advice: Drinkers should choose a designated driver, call a cab, use mass transit or sleep where the activity is held.

It is suggested that other drivers report those they believe to be impaired to the police.