Drinking, Drugging And Driving Is A Choice, Not An Accident

TOMS RIVER, NJ - Ocean County residents can get a first hand look at driving drunk without even getting into a car at the annual "3-D" event coming up on Feb. 9 at the Ocean County Mall.

The event is held to provide information on addiction, recognizing an addiction problem, ways to prevent and treat addiction and legal consequences, according to the Lacey Township website.

The event - presented by the health department's Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC) - will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Attendees can see what it's like to be stopped for driving while under the influence and try on the "Fatal Vision" goggles at demonstrations slated for 10:30 a.m., 12:30 pm. and 2:30 p.m.

IDRC members will discuss regulatory issues dealing with drunk driving. The New Jersey Highway and Traffic Safety Administration will focus on safety information.

But the most poignant story will come from accident victim Gabriel Hurley. He survived a horrific accident caused by a drunk driver back in 2013. He was left with a disfigured face, blind and with no sense of smell, because of a teenager's carelessness behind the wheel, according to an earlier Patch article.

Hurley, a Rutgers graduate, will speak and play on his guitar.

Other speakers include Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, Ocean County Public Health Coordinator Daniel E. Regenye and IDRC Director Peter A. Curatolo.

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