Although the summer is winding down, there are still a few weeks left to enjoy the warm weather. Labor Day is also around the corner, signifying the symbolic end of the season and a return to school for many children. As with all holidays, however, Labor Day also brings with it parties and celebrations that usually include liquor, beer, and wine. We here at the Edward M. Janzekovich Law Blog always recommend that you drink responsibly – don’t drink and drive – and be careful if you get on the road at all over the holiday weekend.
Additionally, we know that many individuals and families will be heading to the Jersey Shore over the next few weeks to enjoy a little more sun and fun before the cold weather season starts. A recent report ranked 44 Jersey Shore towns in order of the least to most DWI arrests per square mile based on data from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. This list also shows the total number of arrests over that time period.
This list is informative because it helps to show both where there are the fewest incidents of drunk driving as well as where local police departments are willing to crack down on any suspicious driving activity.
Towns Ranked from Lowest to Highest Rate of DWI Arrests
| Ranking | Town Name | Arrests Per Square Mile | Total DWI Arrests |
| 1. | Seaside Heights, NJ | 191.68 | 143 |
| 2. | Wildwood, NJ | 116.92 | 163 |
| 3. | Loch Arbour, NJ | 106.38 | 15 |
| 4. | Allenhurst, NJ | 53 | 15 |
| 5. | Bradley Beach, NJ | 39.49 | 25 |
| 6. | North Wildwood, NJ | 35.59 | 76 |
| 7. | Ship Bottom, NJ | 34.96 | 35 |
| 8. | Mantoloking, NJ | 31.1 | 20 |
| 9. | Deal, NJ | 28.83 | 38 |
| 10. | Asbury Park, NJ | 21.83 | 35 |
| 11. | Seaside Park, NJ | 20.83 | 16 |
| 12. | Belmar, NJ | 20.64 | 20.62 |
| 13. | Wildwood Crest, NJ | 20.62 | 27 |
| 14. | Sea Bright, NJ | 19.42 | 25 |
| 15. | Sea Girt, NJ | 18.62 | 27 |
| 16. | Sea Isle City, NJ | 15.8 | 40 |
| 17. | Neptune, NJ | 14.29 | 124 |
| 18. | Bay Head, NJ | 14.28 | 10 |
| 19. | Ventnor, NJ | 12.77 | 45 |
| 20. | Point Pleasant Beach, NJ | 12.71 | 53 |
| 21. | Margate, NJ | 11.64 | 19 |
| 22. | Atlantic City, NJ | 9.45 | 161 |
| 23. | Avon-by-the-sea, NJ | 9.24 | 5 |
| 24. | Long Branch, NJ | 9.23 | 58 |
| 25. | Stone Harbor, NJ | 8.15 | 16 |
| 26. | Manasquan, NJ | 7.50 | 19 |
| 27. | Brick, NJ | 6.71 | 217 |
| 28. | Surf City, NJ | 6.54 | 6 |
| 29. | Longport, NJ | 6.41 | 10 |
| 30. | Lavalette, NJ | 6.28 | 6 |
| 31. | Cape May City, NJ | 5.83 | 16 |
| 32. | Spring Lake, NJ | 5.78 | 10 |
| 33. | Monmouth Beach, NJ | 5.31 | 11 |
| 34. | Ocean City, NJ | 4.44 | 48 |
| 35. | Beach Haven, NJ | 3.87 | 9 |
| 36. | Cape May Point, NJ | 3.17 | 1 |
| 37. | Toms River, NJ | 2.84 | 389 |
| 38. | Brigantine, NJ | 2.6 | 27 |
| 39. | Harvey Cedars, NJ | 2.53 | 3 |
| 40. | Long Beach, NJ | 2.35 | 52 |
| 41. | Avalon, NJ | 2.02 | 10 |
| 42. | Berkeley Twp., NJ | 1.76 | 99 |
| 43. | Barnegat Light, NJ | 1.17 | 1 |
| 44. | Upper Township, NJ | 1.16 | 80 |
It is important to recognize that this list does not provide a definitive ranking of the safest or most dangerous Shore Towns in NJ regarding drunk driving, not does it represent a ranking of towns based on the likelihood you will be pulled over for drunk driving. The information provided, however, does show that all towns in New Jersey are aware and on the look-out for drunk drivers.
Especially over holidays, police officers will be on the look-out for anyone driving erratically or showing signs of intoxication. There may also be DUI check-point locations set up areas known for drunk driving. If you go out again this year and have anything to drink, the best advice is to call an Uber or a taxi for a ride home. Your car will still be there the next day, but if you are convicted of DWI, then you may quickly lose you license, be fined, or even face time in jail. The consequences for drunk driving are no laughing matter.
New Jersey DWI Attorney Edward M. Janzekovich Can Help If You Are Pulled Over This Holiday
If you or someone you know is charged for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is extremely important to contact an experienced DUI/DWI attorney who will explain what consequences you are facing in your specific situation. A knowledgeable drunk driving lawyer can also review the evidence against you and present the best case in your defense. A good lawyer can make all the difference. To speak with an experienced New Jersey DWI lawyer about your situation, call us at 732-257-1137 or contact us online today. We serve clients in Ocean County, Monmouth County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Union County and Somerset County.