Public Reporting Of DWI On The Rise In Ocean County

Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy indicated that public reporting of DWIs increased in 2012. Drivers are calling 911 more often to report drunk and erratic drivers. Mastronardy indicated that cell phones and driver awareness have created the increase in calls. The statewide program “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” kicked into full last weekend and includes the use of both unmarked and marked police vehicles on patrol for drunk drivers. The chief advised that two people were arrested last Thursday after the police department received calls from concerned citizens reporting suspected drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Division of Highway and Traffic Safety Director Gary Poedubicky stated that “twice as many alcohol-impaired crashes occur over the weekend and four times as many occur at night so police will be especially vigilant during these high-risk times”.

The police officer must establish probable cause to pull a vehicle over for DWI and can be challenged by an experienced attorney. The field sobriety tests are not foolproof and DWI charges for drugs are extremely subjective.