“3-D” Demonstration Targets Drinking, Drugging and Driving

Three-D is fine in movie houses. But when the three "D"s are drinking, drugging and driving, Ocean County officials have zero tolerance.

With 2011 showing the first upsurge in New Jersey road deaths in five years, and Ocean County second only to Middlesex in totals and many alcohol-related, county officials invite you to learn about the risks of driving under the influence.

The "3-D" initiative takes place Friday and Saturday at the Ocean County Mall in Toms River. It's a combination of information and hands-on demonstrations to bring the life-threatening dangers into sharp perspective.

It's organized by the Ocean County Health Department, with assistance from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, the Intoxicated Drivers' Resource Center and Brick Township Police.

"We're going to be offering resources," says Health Department spokesperson Leslie Terjesen, "for people who know someone, or they themselves may have an alcohol or drug problem, places that they can go."

But the real value of treatment options will be given clarity through the hands-on components. "We're going to be doing demonstrations with fatal-vision goggles," says Terjesen of the eyewear that lets the wearer experience the sensations of severe substance-related impairment. "The New Jersey Highway Traffic Safety Administration will have information regarding their program, 'Drive Sober Or Be Pulled Over.'"

The event stays in center court 10 AM until 5 PM each day, with a dedication ceremony at 12:30 PM Friday.