The roads seem a bit busier with the approaching holidays. Many individuals and families are busy with holiday gatherings and work parties. Unfortunately, after a night of partying with friends or family, some drivers jump behind the wheel of their vehicle to head home. Sometimes the drivers make it home without incident. Sadly, that wasn't the case for a man from Stafford Township. The 25-year-old man was arrested for DWI, reckless driving and vehicular homicide, after his vehicle struck and killed a man standing on the side of the road.

According to authorities, on September 21, the young man was driving his 2005 Ford F-150 pickup truck when it careened off the road, into a utility pole and finally striking and killing a 76-year-old man from Barnegat Township. It was determined that the man died from multiple injuries due to the incident. Reports did not indicate if the driver responsible for the man's death received any injuries.

Unfortunately, this isn't the first time the 25-year-old has had a run-in with the law when it comes to his driving. Since receiving his license, he's already had it suspended a total of seven times, three of those times involved driving while using alcohol or drugs.

In addition to the charges listed above, the man also was ticketed in October for reckless driving and failure to maintain a lane, both pertaining to September's fatal motor vehicle accident.

The holidays are a great time to visit with loved ones and co-workers to reflect on the past year and appreciate all our good fortune. Make sure that with those gatherings you have a designated driver to get you home safely. No one wants their holiday season marred with heartache due to an accident involving alcohol. Let's keep the holidays merry!

Source: Press of Atlantic City, "Stafford Township man, 25, arrested on vehicular homicide charges in 76-year-old's death," Donna Weaver, Dec. 15, 2011