Crime & Safety

GlouCo Prosecutor: Drive Safe, Drive Smart During Holiday Season

Local law enforcement officials are aiming for a holiday season free of fatal car crashes.

It was the early morning hours when a Chevrolet Impala went out of control and slammed into a wall on Route 295 in West Deptford back on Sept. 17, injuring several occupants and , who was thrown from the car.

Karon Blanton, 32, of Woodbury, was charged vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated and causing death while driving with a suspended license and ended up in jail on $250,000 bail.

In the two months since, there hasn’t been a single fatal crash in Gloucester County, and law enforcement officials want to see it stay that way during the busy travel season over the next five weeks.

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“We want to urge everyone to drive sober, safe and focused on the road,” said Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean Dalton. “Traffic in many places will be heavy, and distractions can be many.  Do your best to drive responsibly this holiday season.”

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show 1,649 people nationwide were killed in holiday-related crashes at the end of 2009; by comparison, there were zero fatal crashes in Gloucester County in 2010 after October.

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Some reminders from the prosecutor’s office:

  • Designated driver: if drinking, arrange for one in advance.
  • If you’re with an impaired drinker, take their keys and help them get home.
  • Eat as well as drink. Balance booze with high-protein foods.
  • Medication-takers: remember interactions with alcohol.
  • Party hosts: stop serving alcoholic drinks well before the party’s over.

The county prosecutor’s office also oversees the Gloucester County Highway Task Force, a group created in 2003 to find ways to reduce the number of fatal accidents on local roadways.

The task force is made up of residents and businesses, and if you’re interested in participating, email nschock@co.gloucester.nj.us or call (856) 384-5635.


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