Howell Police Roll Out New DWI Video Warning

HOWELL, NJ — The message hasn't changed in 30 years, but Howell Township police decided it was time the video did.

Howell Police Chief Andrew J. Kudrick Jr. reached into the archives for a 1990 commercial to remind revelers to not drink and drive on New Year's Eve.

"How many of you remember our D.W.I. public service announcement from 1990?" he asked in a post on Facebook. "For those who don't, here it is in its original VHS format, played on a vintage 19-inch TV/VCR combo that's older than a majority of our patrol officers."

The tongue-in-cheek approach to the very serious subject sounds like a pitch for an "As Seen On TV" must-have product, complete with a "How much will it cost? Wait, there's even more!"

"You can spend 24 hours in jail. You can even get your name in the paper!" the PSA continues. "Best of all impress your family, your friends, your boss. This offer is available on all 400 miles of Howell roadways."

Kudrick said they retooled the 1990 version, modernizing the footage. And while some of the faces are different — the 1990 version featured Sgt. Jerry Gionattassio, Cpl. Joe Fiore and Patrolman Ron Serafini, all of whom are now retired, while the update features the officers who had the most arrests of DUI violators — there is one who stayed the same.

"This even included using the same arrested driver," Kudrick said. Sgt. Tom Weg, who also is retired, was the "driver" under arrest in the 1990 version; he was a police Explorer during the original video. Weg has retired from the force since the updated video was filmed.

"Although the nearly 30 years old, the problem still remains the same," Kudrick said. "Although DUI arrests are down primarily because of ride-share availability and public awareness, NYE still remains one of the deadliest nights of the year for alcohol-related crashes. Please be responsible. Enjoy the night. Don’t let a few hours of fun lead to years of problems. Happy New Year everyone!"

Photo via Howell Township Police video