2023 News Release

State Police Urge Everyone to Enjoy the Holiday Weekend Safely

West Trenton, N.J. - 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. However you choose to celebrate, there will be more cars on our roadways statewide, including ours.

During the July 4th holiday last year, there were eight fatal crashes that resulted in ten deaths, with alcohol or drugs as a contributing factor in five 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 increase traffic enforcement details across the state from 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30 to 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5. During this period, more than 75 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 participating in Operation Drywater, which is a national boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign centered around the Holiday weekend. The mission of Operation Drywater is to reduce the number of alcohol and drug related incidents and fatalities on the water. The goal is to promote sound judgment while boating and keep our recreational boating community safe..

For additional information on boating safety and requirements please visit https://nj.gov/njsp/marine-services/index.shtml.

“Increased patrols serve to reduce crashes and crash-related fatalities and we would like to remind everyone to enjoy the holiday responsibly,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “On behalf of the New Jersey State Police, I would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe Fourth of July weekend.”

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