The statistics are sobering. Everyday 6 teens ages 16 to 19 die in the U.S. from motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, these devastating wrecks are now the leading cause of death in our teenagers, surpassing suicide and homicide. So, in an effort to bring heightened awareness to this critical issue, the Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) continues to reach the teens in our community with the annual “3-D Drinking, Driving and Drugging, Always a Choice Never an Accident” event being held on February 22, 2019 at the Ocean County Mall Center Court.

Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health explains, “The Ocean County Health Department sponsors this event every year and the feedback from the students and visitors is outstanding. The teens appreciate having an opportunity to hear and learn so much from the professionals that work on the front lines in this crusade against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and distracted driving.”

The highlight of the program every year is the Fatal Vision Goggle demonstrations. Participants try their best to navigate an obstacle course wearing goggles that impair the senses and simulate a driving under the influence experience. Another popular portion of the program has law enforcement officers demonstrating a DUI stop with the teens.

The 3-D event will also headline a roster of guest speakers including elected officials, educators, law enforcement professionals, counselors, prevention specialists and members of our military.

Daniel Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator describes, “3-D is a unique, one-stop shop opportunity for students and residents to gather information on addiction, prevention options, education, consequences and so much more from all our program attendees. But it’s more than just lectures. So much of the program is designed to ensure individuals are having a good deal of fun while learning a whole lot regarding a serious issue.”

Below is a detailed schedule for this event being held at the Ocean County Mall Center Court.

• The program runs from 10AM to 4PM with the Commemoration Ceremony at Noon

• Simulated DUI Stops and Fatal Vision Goggle demonstrations on two distinct courses at 10:30AM, 12:30PM and 2:30PM

• Regulatory Issues Concerning DUI in New Jersey

• Safety Information Provided by the New Jersey Highway and Traffic Safety Administration