December is National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month and Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Cary Shill is reminding the public to never drive impaired during this month or any other month of the year.
According to authorities, to date, from 2020 over 2021, Atlantic County has seen an increase in the number of motor vehicle crashes.
With the increase in the number of crashes in 2021, the county has also seen a rise in the number of motor vehicle accidents involving fatalities over the past year, officials say.
2021 (Year to Date as of Dec. 7, 2021)
- Atlantic County – 45 crashes resulting in 46 deaths
- So far, 5 crashes involved the use of alcohol, drugs, or a combination, with results still pending in a number of cases. 4 of the crashes resulted in criminal charges, however, a number are still under investigation and may result in charges.
- Statewide – 607 crashes resulting in 633 deaths
2020
- Atlantic County – 42 crashes resulting in 44 deaths
- 23 crashes involve the use of alcohol, drugs, or a combination. 1 of the crashes resulted in criminal charges, however a number are still review for potential criminal charges.
- Statewide – 549 crashes resulting in 587 deaths.
- In these crashes, 171 drivers were positive for alcohol and 101 were positive for drugs.
2019
- Atlantic County – 30 crashes resulting in 32 deaths
- 17 of these crashes involved the use of alcohol, drugs, or a combination. Of the 17, 5 resulted in criminal charges (the remaining 12 involved the deceased being impaired)
- Statewide – 524 crashes resulting in 558 deaths.
- In these crashes, 160 drivers were positive for alcohol and 85 were positive for drugs.
ACPO CRASH INVESTIGATIONS UNIT
Atlantic County officials say transportation in Atlantic County consists of several major roadways, NJ Transit operations (bus and rail), airports and intercoastal waterways. All of these supports a significant year-round and seasonal tourist population.
These transportation systems are protected by various municipal, county, state and transit law enforcement agencies.
Officials say that in the event of a serious incident involving one of these transportation systems, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office supports these agencies through the Crash Investigations Unit.
County officials say the Crash Investigations Unit are trained to meet both national and/or international standards for accident investigations.
The Crash Investigations Unit also employs several technology solutions to aid in these investigations.
Authorities say the unit combines traditional investigative techniques, the science of accident reconstruction and technological solutions to meet best practices for investigating accidents and bringing them to a successful resolution.
Officials say the Crash Investigations Unit also works with municipal police departments to conduct numerous Driving Under the Influence checkpoints and/or patrols every year throughout Atlantic County.
Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page.
People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/.
Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.