New Jersey DOT worker had blood alcohol level nearly five times over the legal limit during DUI crash involving children.
A New Jersey Department of Transportation official faces serious legal repercussions following an incident in which she allegedly drove under the influence with her three young daughters in the vehicle. Megan Fackler has been charged with driving while intoxicated and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child in connection with a crash that occurred on October 5, 2024, in Ewing Township. Court documents reveal that her blood alcohol concentration was recorded at 0.371 percent, more than four times the legal limit of 0.08 percent, and authorities discovered open bottles of wine inside her car at the time of the incident.
According to the details provided in a criminal complaint, Fackler was transporting her daughters, ages 8, 7, and 4, from a lacrosse practice when she lost control of her 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. Eyewitness reports indicate that she drifted into oncoming traffic and collided with a white box truck at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Summit Avenue. The severity of the incident prompted police intervention, and bodycam footage surfaced earlier this month, showing Fackler’s demeanor during her interaction with law enforcement.
In the footage, Fackler appears to struggle with coherence, slurring her words and expressing confusion regarding the situation. Despite repeated requests from the officers to exit the vehicle, she displays reluctance to comply and continues to identify herself as a state employee, working in a leadership role as the director of statewide planning for the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Approximately 30 minutes passed before she ultimately exited the vehicle, at which point she failed multiple sobriety tests administered by the officers, leading to her arrest. The situation escalated as one officer pointed out her inability to maintain basic balance, characterizing her behavior as concerning given the context of driving with children onboard.
Fackler’s claims of not having consumed alcohol prior to the crash are contradicted by the evidence presented during the investigation. The implications of her actions have sparked discussions regarding accountability, particularly given her high-ranking position within the Department of Transportation. The case continues to unfold as the legal process progresses, with many awaiting further developments to understand the full scope of the ramifications stemming from this incident.
As the community reflects on this troubling event, discussions around responsible leadership and the safety of vulnerable populations, especially children, are more relevant than ever.
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