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State Police Increase Patrols to Reduce Fatal Crashes during Holiday

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July 4,2018

the staff of the Ridgewod blog

West Trenton NJ,  The New Jersey State Police would like everyone to enjoy their holiday safely. This may include getting together with family and friends at a barbecue, driving to the Jersey shore to enjoy the beach, or going out on the water on a boat.

During the July 4th holiday weekend last year, there were 5 fatal crashes that resulted in 5 deaths, with alcohol as a contributing factor for two 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.

The New Jersey State Police have planned to significantly increase traffic enforcement details across the state from 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3 to 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 6. During this period, more than 70 troopers will be on special details targeting aggressive driving, speed, seatbelt usage, distracted driving, and DWI in addition to regularly scheduled patrols.

Motorists are also reminded that when they see emergency vehicles on the side of the road 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.

“Increased patrols serve to reduce crashes and crash-related fatalities,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “Although statewide crash fatalities are slightly down from this time last year, we know we can do much better. We want everyone to get to and from their destinations safely and enjoy the holiday with their friends and families.”

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 watercraft.

Marine troopers will also be checking to see that boat operators have obtained the proper licenses to operate watercrafts. A synopsis of boating requirements can be found on the State Police website at www.njsp.org under boating safety.