NEWARK, NJ – The Newark Police Department is asking the public to be cautious about driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, especially during the holiday season.
This warning comes after a series of DUI-related incidents this weekend.
Within a 24-hour period, Newark Police arrested five drivers for DUI, three of whom were involved in crashes. One notable incident involved a driver on New London Avenue driving the wrong way, hitting a parked car, and overturning the vehicle. There were no injuries. Two other incidents resulted in property damage.
One particularly reckless case involved a driver speeding at about 100 mph through a construction zone, leading to charges of DUI and reckless driving. Newark Police reported a 16% increase in DUI arrests compared to the same period last year.
The Department reminds everyone to consider safer alternatives like using ride-share services or calling a sober friend to avoid preventable accidents and ensure public safety during the holidays.