NEW JERSEY — With Thanksgiving weekend among the busiest travel periods of the year, New Jersey officials on Thursday urged motorists to stay alert, plan ahead and make safety a priority as millions take to the road.
“As you prepare for the holiday, we encourage you to stay alert, drive responsibly, and be prepared for the unexpected challenges that often accompany heavy traffic,” officials said in a statement. Travelers are encouraged to fuel up, check vehicle fluids and tire pressure, bring a phone charger and flashlight, pack water and nonperishable snacks, avoid drowsy driving, share travel plans with others, and check weather forecasts before heading out.
The most important step motorists can take, the statement said, is to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. During the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday period, New Jersey recorded 13 fatal crashes that resulted in 13 deaths; drug or alcohol impairment contributed to seven of those incidents.
“We encourage you to plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, or arranging to stay with friends or family,” the statement said. “Let’s work together to make this holiday season safe for everyone.”
To support that effort, the New Jersey State Police will deploy more than 124 additional troopers statewide throughout the holiday period in addition to regular patrols. Troopers will focus enforcement on speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, seat belt use and impaired driving.
“As we head into the holiday season, we are asking every driver to put safety first. Your choices behind the wheel matter. When you slow down, stay alert, and refuse to drive impaired, you’re protecting your family, your neighbors, and every person traveling our roadways,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This time of year should be marked by celebration, not preventable tragedies. If we all take responsibility, we can keep our roads safe and help ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely. On behalf of the New Jersey State Police, I wish everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.”
The 2025 Thanksgiving holiday period runs through 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1.
