The summer season officially begins this Memorial Day weekend as thousands of motorists will travel New Jersey’s roadways to get to our beaches, lakes, state parks or just across town to a friend’s cookout. Regardless of how near or far the destination, drivers will need to make responsible decisions to avoid the potential tragic consequences of driving under the influence.
During the Memorial Day holiday weekend last year, there were three crashes that resulted in three separate deaths, all which had alcohol and/or drugs as 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 27 to Tuesday, May 31. During this period, in addition to our regularly scheduled high profile patrols, 119 troopers will be on special details targeting aggressive driving, speeding, seatbelt usage, commercial vehicle enforcement, cell phone usage, distracted driving, and DWI.
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.
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. A good synopsis of boating requirements can be found on the State Police website at https://www.njsp.org/marine-services/index.shtml.
“The New Jersey State Police would like to remind the public that operating a vehicle or vessel under the influence is unacceptable and puts countless lives in danger. Last year we lost three individuals to crashes that involved drugs or alcohol, and that could have been avoided,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “On behalf of the New Jersey State Police, I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday weekend.”