Somerset County to Crack Down on 'Drugged' Drivers

Watchung, NJ -- Six departments in Somerset County now have an officer who is specially trained to detect “drugged” driving.

“Recent studies show a steady increase in motorists operating motor vehicles while under the influence of illegal drugs, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications,” stated Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson in a release. “This alarming trend is posing challenges for traffic enforcement officials who do not have a roadside test for drugged driving and often have difficulty recognizing the signs.”

A total of eight police officers in the county were trained as Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) to be on call throughout the county to assist municipal officers involved in traffic stops where a driver appears impaired but not due to alcohol consumption.

Departments with a DRE officer are:

• Bedminster,
• Bernards Township,
• Bridgewater,
• Montgomery,
• South Bound Brook,
• Warren Township.

Departments without DREs on staff can contact the county and request a specialized officer to help during an investigation.