by NJSP
West Trenton, N.J. – Labor Day marks the unofficial end of the summer season, which means thousands will be taking advantage of the long weekend to not only enjoy many of New Jersey’s tourist attractions like our beautiful beaches, state parks, and lakes, but to gather with friends and families to celebrate at cookouts as the weather forecast favorably points to mostly sunny and dry days ahead. We would like to remind drivers that safe motor vehicle operation is the first step to ensuring a great holiday for everyone, so please drive responsibly and carefully to close out the summer of 2022.
During the 2021 Labor Day holiday period, eight of the nine fatal crashes in New Jersey involved impairment from alcohol or drugs as a contributing factor. These types of tragedies can be easily avoided. If you plan on drinking alcohol this weekend, call a taxi, use a transportation service such as Uber or Lyft, have a designated driver, or make plans to stay where you are.
The New Jersey State Police have planned to significantly increase traffic enforcement details across the state from 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 2 to 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 6. During this period, more than 112 additional troopers will be on special details targeting aggressive driving, speeding, seatbelt usage, distracted driving, and DWI in addition to regularly scheduled patrols.
The New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau will also be patrolling the state’s waterways, focusing on impaired boat operation and people recklessly operating personal watercrafts and other powered vessels. Marine troopers will also be checking to see that boat operators have obtained the proper licenses to operate watercraft. A good synopsis of boating requirements can be found on the State Police website at www.njsp.org under boating safety.
“We have 112 additional troopers on patrol for Labor Day Weekend in the constant effort to keep our family and friends safe, but we cannot do it alone. We ask that everyone enjoy themselves responsibly and bring our fatal crash numbers down to zero for the 2022 holiday weekend,” 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 holiday weekend.”