July 3, 2021
West Trenton, N.J. – The New Jersey State Police would like everyone to enjoy their holiday weekend as the State continues to open after the COVID-19 pandemic. With residents celebrating Independence Day for the first time in two years, we understand that everyone wants to reconnect with family and friends whether at a barbecue, driving to the Jersey Shore, or spending time on the water. We would like everyone to dust off their safety playbook and give it a read before heading out for the holiday weekend.
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 four 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 2 to 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5. During this period, more than 60 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 water crafts. For additional information on boating safety and requirements please visit www.njsp.org/marine-services/index.shtml.
“New Jersey and the rest of the country have reason to celebrate. We are celebrating our nation’s independence, and we are celebrating the end of many of the sacrifices we made together to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “While enjoying all that New Jersey has to offer this holiday weekend, we remind everyone to do it responsibly. On behalf of the New Jersey State Police, I would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe Fourth of July weekend.”
