NEW JERSEY – Memorial Day is traditionally the unofficial start to summer and the official start to the summer driving season.
This Memorial Day weekend there will be thousands of motorists travelling New Jersey’s roadways to get to our beaches, lakes, state parks or just across town to a friend’s house. Whether you will be traveling to the Jersey shore or down the street to be with family and friends, motorists will need to be cautious in order to avoid tragedies.
During the Memorial Day holiday weekend last year, there were nine crashes that resulted in ten fatalities. In six of the crashes, alcohol and/or drugs was a factor. These types of tragedies can easily be avoided by calling a taxi, using transportation applications such as Uber or Lyft, making plans to stay with friends or family, or having a designated driver.
The New Jersey State Police plans to increase traffic enforcement details across the state from Friday, May 26 to Tuesday, May 30. During this period, in addition to our regularly scheduled high profile patrols, 100 troopers will be on special details targeting aggressive driving, speeding, seatbelt usage, commercial vehicle enforcement, cell phone usage, distracted driving, and DWI. Remember, do not drive drowsy. Symptoms of driving tired are similar to those of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Use service areas to rest, stretch your legs, or grab a cup of coffee.
Motorists are also reminded that when they see the flashing lights of emergency vehicles on the side of the road, they need to move over or be ticketed for the violation.
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. Help us keep you safe by helping emergency personnel stay safe.
Additionally, the New Jersey State Police Marine Bureau will be patrolling the state’s waterways this weekend and throughout the summer looking for signs of boaters under the influence of alcohol or drugs to stop reckless operation of boats and personal watercraft.
Marine troopers will also be checking to see that boat operators have obtained the proper licenses to operate watercrafts. For up-to-date requirements and additional boating safety tips you can visit the State Police website at www.njsp.org/marine-services/index.shtml.
The New Jersey State Police reminds the public that operating a vehicle or vessel under the influence is unacceptable and puts countless lives in danger.
“Our goal is zero crash fatalities—not just on holidays, but every day,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “On land or on the water, we want everyone to be safe with friends and family and to act responsibly. On behalf of the New Jersey State Police, I wish everyone a safe Memorial Day weekend and ask that we all take time to remember and reflect upon the lives of those brave men and women who gave their last full measure of devotion serving this great nation.”
