MANALAPAN — Students at Manalapan High School are teaming up with Monmouth County Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley to combat drunken driving and to teach their peers about the importance of the role of a designated driver.
Juniors Erin Brogan and Fern Martin will be working with the sheriff’s office to teach their peers about the dangers of underage drinking.
"I want to congratulate Erin and Fern for the maturity and responsibility they are showing in promoting the ‘Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers’ amongst their peer group," Oxley said. "Alcohol remains the No. 1 teen-age drug problem in the United States and each day eight teens die in alcohol-related car crashes."
Oxley said this is a critical audience that must be reached in order to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents.
The Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers was established by Bill Elliott, of Egg Harbor Township, chairman of the campaign, in memory of his son, John R. Elliott.
Elliott, 22, a Navy ensign, was killed by a drunken driver on July 22, 2000. The driver had been arrested by New Jersey State Police officers earlier in the evening and subsequently was released to the custody of an adult acquaintance. The adult allowed the drunken driver to get back into his vehicle and drive away, ultimately resulting in the crash that killed Elliott.
"On July 22, 2000, our family suffered the tragic loss of our son John," said Elliott. "Even more tragic was the knowledge that his death could have and should have been prevented. That’s why our family has established the ‘Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers.’ "
Elliott added, "If each of us become designated drivers, or use designated drivers, and encourage others to do the same, we will help to keep drunk drivers off the road."
The program teaches the importance of designated drivers by recognizing people who choose to remain sober, ensuring that their friends return home safely.
Local liquor establishments are asked to participate by displaying posters or window decals indicating the campaign.
Designated drivers who are identified by restaurants will receive complimentary soft drinks or coffee. Patrons and employees will also be encouraged to wear blue and gold ribbons provided by the "Hero Campaign."
As part of the countywide initiative, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office will assist Elliott and the state attorney general in recruiting local establishments to participate in the campaign.
Establishments throughout the county which have become charter campaign members include the Court Jester in Freehold Borough and Aberdeen, and Ashes restaurant and cigar club in Red Bank.
On April 19, acting Gov. Donald DiFrancesco signed "John’s Law," which authorizes an arresting law enforcement agency to impound the vehicle operated by a person charged with driving while intoxicated and to hold the vehicle for 12 hours. The law also requires that the individual picking up the person who was arrested be issued a written warning that advises them of potential criminal and civil liability for permitting or facilitating the arrested person’s operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
"Designated drivers save lives," Oxley said. "We are asking all of the licensed liquor establishments in Monmouth County to assist us in raising awareness and spreading this important message. Erin and Fern have made the decision not to sit by and accept the tragic combination of underage drinking and driving. I applaud their actions and encourage other high school students to join the ‘Hero Campaign for Designated Drivers.’ "