East Windsor’s "Zero Tolerance Means Zero Chances" program will be funded through a state grant.
By: David Pescatore
EAST WINDSOR The East Windsor Police Department is sending a strong message to local teens who may be tempted to drink alcohol.
"Zero Tolerance Means Zero Chances" is the name of the program aimed at preventing anyone under the age of 21 from drinking and driving. The program will promote abstinence from alcohol and drugs to young drivers.
The program, funded by a $10,000 grant from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, will include presentations at Hightstown High School and Melvin H. Kreps Middle School.
During the assemblies, participants wearing the Fatal Vision Goggles and a Fatal Reaction device will attempt to recite a speech, walk a straight line or catch a ball. The goggles blur the vision of the wearer, while the Fatal Reaction device prevents wearers from hearing their own voices, resulting in jumbled speech.
"The kids are amazed when they see someone wearing the devices and acting intoxicated," said Sgt. Todd Hoagland, who conducts the presentations. "It really drives the concept home."
The assemblies will be scheduled for early May to prepare students for after-prom activities.
Police are attempting to provide guest speakers who have been directly affected by drinking and driving.
Funds from the grant will be used to provide promotional items, such as pens, rulers and magnets bearing the "Zero Tolerance" slogan.
Student handbooks also will be printed containing tips on how to avoid or remedy dangerous situations like getting car keys from a friend who is intoxicated.
The handbooks also will contain an outline of zero-tolerance laws. According to Sgt. Hoagland, drivers under 21 can be made to take a breath test if the officer smells the slightest bit of alcohol on the person.
"Our goal is to provide the information; to let them know how dangerous this is," Sgt. Hoagland said. "The choice of getting into a car is up to them."
Police will be taking the message to the rest of the area by conducting awareness presentations at various community functions, such as Twin Rivers Day, Oak Creek Estates Safety Day, and the Safety Expo at Quaker Bridge Mall.
Educational literature also will be distributed at checkpoints along Route 130 during the spring and summer.

