4 UNCHECK MURRAY

State Police say to expect more DWI checkpoints across New Jersey this summer.

(File photo)

TRENTON -- State Police are stepping up DWI checkpoints in an aggressive crackdown on drunken driving as the summer season starts on the Jersey Shore.

Capt. Stephen Jones, a division spokesman, told NJ Advance Media that troopers will be using state crash data to pinpoint problem areas across the Garden State and setting up sobriety checkpoints in an effort to discourage those who might drive under the influence.

"Where we have cases that DWI is a problem contributing to fatalities and injuries in crashes, that's where we're going to focus our efforts," Jones said.

They will start this Saturday with checkpoints in the areas of Maurice River Township in Cumberland County and Toms River in Ocean County, authorities said.

According to state data, alcohol has been a contributing factor in nearly a third of all fatal crashes over the last decade.

Jones said drivers should expect to see a heavier presence this summer than years past. While the division won't release specific details on the locations of checkpoints, they will be disclosing targeted areas in advance on their Facebook page and in press releases, he said.

"We want people to know that we are out there along with local law enforcement, and we hope that there is a deterrent factor in that message to guide people to take smarter options (to get home) when they've been drinking," he said.

In a statement announcing the checkpoints, State Police Sgt. Jeff Flynn said drivers can report suspected drunken drivers by dialing #77 from a hands-free mobile device to contact the aggressive driver tip line and make a report.

"Be ready to give a description of the vehicle and occupants, a location and direction, and a license plate if possible," Flynn said in the statement.

S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. Find NJ.com on Facebook.