TRENTON – The New Jersey State Police would like everyone to enjoy their holiday safely. If you plan on visiting one of our beaches, lakes, state parks, or spending time with friends and family, there will be more cars on our roadways statewide, including ours.
During the July 4th holiday last year, there were eight fatal crashes that resulted in nine deaths, with alcohol or drugs as a contributing factor in five of them. These types of tragedies can often be avoided by calling a taxi, using transportation applications such as Uber and Lyft, making plans to stay with friends or family, or having a designated driver. We also want to remind motorist that fatigued drivers can often display the same signs as intoxicated drivers. If you are planning a long road trip, please ensure that you are well-rested before driving and utilize service areas to stop and rest.
The New Jersey State Police have planned to increase traffic enforcement details across the state from 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 1 to 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5. During this period, more than 92 additional troopers will be on special details targeting aggressive driving, speeding, seatbelt usage, distracted driving, and DWI in addition to regularly scheduled patrols.
Motorists are reminded that when they see emergency vehicles on the side of the road to move over. According to New Jersey’s Move Over Law, drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and other highway safety vehicles displaying flashing lights must move over to leave an empty lane next to those vehicles. If it is not safe to move over, drivers must slow down below the posted speed limit.
The State Police Marine Bureau will also be patrolling the state’s waterways this weekend, and troopers will be looking for signs of boaters under the influence of alcohol or drugs and reckless operation of boats and personal watercrafts. For additional information on boating safety and requirements, click here.
“While enjoying your holiday weekend with friends and family in our great state of New Jersey, we remind everyone to do so responsibly,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “On behalf of the New Jersey State Police, I would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe Fourth of July weekend.”
