Don't drink and drive.
MAYS LANDING - Atlantic County has seen an increase in the number of motor vehicle crashes in 2020 over 2019. There has also been an increase in the number of crashes, involving fatalities to date this year over 2019, according to Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner.
The dramatic rise in motor vehicle accidents and associated fatalities is both tragic and alarming. You would think that with less traffic on our roadways due to the pandemic that our number of accidents would have decreased. They did not. So now, more than ever, I want to provide a stark reminder to all of our motorists and pedestrians to drive with care. Drinking while driving and driving while distracted causes far too many deaths. Don't do it! Tyner said.
December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, or National 3D Prevention Month and Tyner would like National 3D Prevention Month to serve as a reminder to never drive impaired.
In 2020, Atlantic County had 41 crashes that resulted in 43 fatalities, 14 of which involved alcohol or drug use. One resulted in criminal charges and a number are still under investigation.
In 2019, there were 30 crashes with 32 fatalities. Seventeen involved use of alcohol or drugs, with five resulting in criminal charges, and 12 fatalities were impaired drivers.
Statewide, there were 524 crashes resulting in 558 fatalities
In 2018, there were 30 crashes with 33 fatalities. Ten crashes involved alcohol or drug use, with three resulting in criminal charges. Seven of those who died were impaired.
Statewide, there were 524 crashes resulting in 563 fatalities. In these cases, 163 were positive for alcohol and 95 were positive for drugs.
