DWI Checkpoints Starting Earlier This Year. First Up, Freehold Twp.

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Monmouth County DWI Task Force will be conducting its first DWI checkpoint of the year this Saturday, April 1, on Route 9 in Freehold Township, the earliest it has conducted a checkpoint.

"This checkpoint is being conducted a little earlier in the year, compared to previous years, in the hopes it will highlight that driving under the influence happens throughout the year, not just during the summer months," said Police Chief Michael Schneider, Allenhurst, Task Force coordinator.

He said the Task Force has three main components: education, deterrence and enforcement.

"In a perfect scenario, no arrests would have to be made. But when drivers choose to drive under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, our objective is to get that driver off the roadway so that our roads are safer for the rest of the motoring public," Schneider said.

The Freehold Township checkpoint will take place from 10 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. on Sunday.

All northbound vehicles will be diverted into the Juniper Plaza, where local officers will be in contact with all drivers to determine their sobriety.