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New Jersey State Police: Safety Starts with Sober Driving

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the staff the Ridgewood blog

ne of the busiest travel days of the year, so if you plan on traveling area roadways, we encourage you to take the time to prepare for the unexpected unpleasantries associated with holiday traffic by following a few safety tips that will surely come in handy if you find yourself in a jam. Before you head out, please consider the following:

Fill up your gas tank

Check fluids (including windshield washer
fluid and antifreeze)

Check tire pressure

Bring a mobile phone charger

Carry a flashlight with new batteries

Bring bottles of water and nonperishable
snacks

Don’t 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

Let someone know your travel plans

Check the weather forecast and plan
accordingly

Plan to leave yourself more time to get where
you are going

Undoubtedly, the easiest tip to follow to ensure not only your safety, but the safety of fellow motorists and pedestrians this holiday is to not get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. During the 2018 Thanksgiving holiday period, there were seven fatal crashes that resulted in seven deaths on New Jersey roadways. Drug and/or alcohol impairment was found to be a contributing factor in five of the crashes, including the death of a pedestrian. These types of tragedies can be easily avoided by having a designated driver, using a taxi or transportation application such as Uber or Lyft, or making plans to stay with friends or family.

The New Jersey State Police will have more than 88 additional troopers statewide during the holiday period in addition to normal patrols. Troopers will focus their efforts on speeding, aggressive driving, seatbelt usage, cell phone violations, distracted driving, and DWI.

“Our goal is zero crash fatalities—not just on holidays, but every day,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “We want everyone to enjoy the holiday with their family and friends, not in a cell at a barracks, not in a hospital, and not as a fatal statistic. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and please don’t drink and drive.”

The 2019 Thanksgiving holiday period begins on Wednesday, November 27, at 6:00 p.m. and ends on Monday, December 2, at 6:00 a.m.

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