TRENTON, N.J. — With thousands of New Jersey residents and visitors expected to head to beaches, lakes, state parks and family gatherings this Labor Day weekend, authorities are reminding the public to make safety a priority on the roads and waterways.
“Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and thousands of New Jersey residents and visitors will take advantage of the long weekend to enjoy our beaches, state parks, lakes, and other attractions, as well as gather with family and friends for celebrations. With a favorable forecast calling for mostly sunny and dry days, we remind all motorists that safe driving is essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable holiday for everyone. Please drive responsibly and carefully as we bring the summer of 2025 to a close,” officials said in a statement.
During the 2024 Labor Day holiday period, four of the eight fatal crashes in New Jersey involved alcohol or drug impairment, according to officials. “These are preventable tragedies. If you plan to drink this weekend, don’t get behind the wheel—call a taxi, use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, designate a sober driver, or arrange to stay where you are. One responsible choice can save a life,” the statement continued.
The New Jersey State Police said they will increase enforcement from 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2. More than 140 additional troopers will be assigned to special details targeting aggressive driving, speeding, seatbelt usage, distracted driving and DWI, in addition to regular patrols.
The State Police Marine Services Bureau will also step up enforcement on waterways, focusing on impaired operators, reckless boating, and license compliance. Officials warned that “unsafe behavior on the water can have serious, even deadly, consequences.”
“We have over 140 additional troopers on patrol this Labor Day weekend as part of our ongoing effort to keep families and communities safe, but we cannot do it alone,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Every driver has the power to make responsible choices behind the wheel. Even one fatality is one too many, and together we can work toward bringing that number down to zero. On behalf of the New Jersey State Police, I wish everyone a safe, responsible, and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.”
