Hopatcong Police Plan Drunk-Driving Crackdown

Maybe you shouldn't have that last beer.

Hopatcong's police plan a drunk-driving crackdown from Aug. 20 – Sept. 6, using sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols, according to Police Chief John Swanson.

Officers checked at least 300 vehicles during last winter's program, resulting in seven DWI arrests and three drug arrests.

"I find it extremely important to educate the public on the seriousness of drinking and driving," Patrolman David Kraus said.

Kraus, an 11-year veteran, is in his sixth year coordinating state grants funding the event.

He said officers would hand out drunk-driving information to motorists during the campaign, and inspect vehicles deemed suspicious. The department doled out 1,000-1,200 pamphlets at a checkpoint last year, Kraus said.

He added the department has three officers trained in drug recognition.

And while drunk driving will be the focus, it won't be the department's only concern.

"Keep in mind, though, it's not just about alcohol all the time," Kraus said. "People abuse prescription drugs."

The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety-sponsored program said 185 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes last year. It also said 67 of those deaths occurred during the summer.

"Always remember, get the designated driver," Kraus said. "It's worth it. You're not only saving your life, but you're saving the lives of the person or people you may hit."