Full Notification

In response to two recent alcohol related motor vehicle crashes, Chief Raymond Hayducka would like to remind our residents that December is recognized as National Drunk and Drug Impaired Driving Prevention Month, and that the South Brunswick Police Department is engaged in national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over traffic enforcement details.
 
“Impaired driving is a huge problem, and typically gets worse during the holiday season,” said Chief Hayducka. “The South Brunswick Police Department is committed to making a difference in keeping the roadways safe for travelers, and our officers are diligently looking for unsafe drivers of all types, including impaired drivers. Through this concerted effort, we hope to make a difference and to save lives.”
 
The South Brunswick Police Department will be cracking down on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs as part of the annual end of year “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign, continuing through January 1, 2022. The national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort aims to raise awareness of the dangers of impaired driving through a combination of high-visibility enforcement and public education. During the last five years New Jersey has experienced more than 35,000 alcohol involved crashes resulting in 618 fatalities.  This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when social gatherings with alcohol increase the risk of impaired driving. Last year, 23% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, 10,142 people died in 2019 in drunk driving crashes.
 
In the first of two recent alcohol related crashes, Tanan Chansathit, a 38 year old East Brunswick man, was driving northbound on Route 1 in a 2019 Acura and was approaching Blackhorse Lane, when he struck a 2015 Honda driven by a 28 year old East Brunswick woman that was stopped in traffic at a red traffic signal. There were no injuries. Mr. Chansathit was found to be under the influence of alcohol, and was arrested and charged with driving under while intoxicated.
 
In a separate alcohol related crash, Mazhar Syed, a 54 year old man from Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, was traveling northbound on Route 130 in a 2011 BMW and was approaching Route 522, when he struck a 2018 Honda operated by a 54 year old Pennsylvania man stopped in traffic at a red traffic signal. The Honda was then pushed forward into the rear of a 2016 Honda driven by a Dayton man also stopped in traffic. The two victims were transported to the hospital with injuries, and Mr. Syed was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.
 
Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2021 Year End Holiday Crackdown offer the following advice for the holiday season:

• Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity or party is held.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life. 
• Always buckle-up, every ride.  It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
• If you are intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive or escort you to your doorstep.
• Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.