The New Jersey DUI News Report is a monthly publication that covers DUI-related news and updates in the State of New Jersey.
This month’s edition of the NJ DUI News Report covers several local news stories including a police officer who was arrested for drunk driving and a new safe driving program introduced at the Jersey Shore.
Recent DUI / DWI Stories In New Jersey
Ramsey Police Sergeant Charged With DUI After Crashing Vehicle In Park Ridge, NJ
A police sergeant with the Ramsey Police Department was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence earlier this month after allegedly crashing his vehicle into a tree in Park Ridge, New Jersey.
According to reports, the 43-year-old police officer was driving his 2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 on Kinderkamack Road near Highland Street at around 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14th, when he crashed into a tree.
Local law enforcement officers responded to the scene of the accident where they found the off-duty sergeant along with another police officer from the Ramsey Police Department. Reports state that the off-duty sergeant submitted to a chemical breath test that showed his blood alcohol content to be 0.19% - more than twice the legal limit.
NJ Woman Who Allegedly Contracted Bacterial Infection After DUI Urine Test Settles Lawsuit For $140K
A New Jersey woman who allegedly contracted a MRSA infection after an unauthorized catheterization has reportedly agreed to accept a $140,000 payment to settle a lawsuit.
According to reports, the woman was arrested back in 2012 on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in the South Jersey beach town of Ocean City.
In a lawsuit filed in 2014, the woman alleged illegal search and seizure, excessive force and negligence, claiming that she was forced to submit to catheterization in order to take urine samples following her DUI arrest. The complaint also alleged that an Ocean City police officer assisted with the catheterization process which the woman said resulted in her contracting the MRSA infection.
“Ralph and David’s Law” Clears New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Bill A-3686, also known as “Ralph and David’s Law,” passed The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee in June.
The bipartisan legislation, which is now awaiting signature into law by Governor Chris Christie, would toughen penalties faced by intoxicated drivers convicted of vehicular homicide.
Ralph and David’s Law is named in honor of Ralph Politi Jr. and David Heim - two New Jersey residents who were killed after being struck by drunk drivers.
"The fact that someone could drive drunk, kill a child, and walk away with merely a slap on the wrist is unconscionable," Oroho said in a news release. "That is a completely ineffective way to deter someone else from committing the same crime. The harsher penalties established under my bill will ensure that the families who suffer the pain of losing a loved one so tragically get the justice they so rightfully deserve and society demands."
For more information on this news story, click here.
HERO Campaign Partners With Uber To Fight Drunk Driving In New Jersey
Uber recently announced a new partnership with the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers to prevent drunk driving at the Jersey Shore this summer.
According to reports, Uber is offering up to $10 off for a ride anywhere in New Jersey for the first 2,000 people who take the HERO Campaign pledge to be a designated driver.
The details of the new initiative were announced at a news conference on Monday, June 26th, in Sea Isle City, NJ.
“Thanks to Uber, finding a designated driver is quick and easy,” said Bill Elliott, founder of the HERO Campaign. “Designated drivers are saving lives every day by preventing drunk-driving tragedies.”
For more information about the safe driver program and how you can participate, visit HEROCampaign.org/Uber or text “HEROUBER” to 51555.
