HAMMONTON, N.J. – Drivers heading to and from the Jersey Shore this Labor Day weekend should expect to see more New Jersey State Police vehicles along the Atlantic City Expressway as authorities increase patrols during the busy holiday travel period.
The South Jersey Transportation Authority, which operates the expressway, is providing supplemental staffing in partnership with State Police. The additional troopers will augment normal patrols and focus on aggressive and unsafe driving while also providing assistance when motorists run into trouble.
- Additional State Police troopers will patrol the Atlantic City Expressway throughout the Labor Day weekend.
- High-visibility enforcement will focus on aggressive and unsafe driving as holiday traffic increases.
- The expressway’s free Emergency Service Patrol will also have an increased presence and operates around the clock.
Officials said motorists should not be alarmed by the increased number of police vehicles. The higher visibility is intended both as a deterrent to dangerous driving and an additional safety resource for people traveling across South Jersey.
More Troopers Taking to Atlantic City Expressway
The supplemental patrol effort covers the Atlantic City Expressway, a major route for travelers heading between the Philadelphia region and Atlantic City and other Jersey Shore destinations.
State Police already patrol the highway year-round, responding to crashes, disabled vehicles and other incidents. This weekend’s initiative adds troopers to that normal presence.
“Labor Day weekend is a time when families and friends are traveling throughout South Jersey, and our goal is to help make sure everyone gets to their destination safely,” SJTA Executive Director Stephen F. Dougherty said.
Dougherty said motorists should expect to notice the difference.
“Motorists may notice more State Police vehicles on the Expressway this weekend, and that additional presence is there to help,” he said. “We encourage everyone to drive safely, remain patient, and look out for one another.”
The patrols are also intended to discourage drivers from engaging in aggressive behavior as heavier holiday traffic moves across the highway.
Officials are urging travelers to remain alert and leave additional time for their trips rather than attempting to make up time by speeding or driving aggressively.
Free Roadside Assistance Also Increased for Weekend
State Police will not be the only additional vehicles motorists see along the expressway.
The SJTA’s Emergency Service Patrol will also have a larger presence throughout the holiday weekend.
The free service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and assists drivers with common roadside emergencies.
That includes flat tires, dead batteries and vehicles that run out of fuel. Emergency Service Patrol personnel also respond to crashes and disabled vehicles.
Drivers who need assistance can dial #223, or #ACE, to reach the service.
Motorists experiencing an emergency can also contact State Police at 609-965-7200.
Extra Patrols Intended to Keep Holiday Traffic Moving Safely
Labor Day weekend traditionally brings increased travel to South Jersey as residents and visitors make one of the final major Shore trips of the summer.
With more vehicles sharing the road, officials are asking drivers to remain patient, avoid aggressive maneuvers and give themselves additional travel time.
The supplemental State Police presence is designed to address unsafe behavior while putting additional personnel in position to respond quickly when crashes or breakdowns occur.
For stranded motorists, the expanded Emergency Service Patrol provides another layer of assistance without a charge for the roadside service.
The additional staffing is limited to the holiday travel push, but both State Police and the Emergency Service Patrol operate on the Atlantic City Expressway throughout the year.
Drivers should expect to see more State Police vehicles on the expressway.
The additional patrols are part of a planned Labor Day weekend safety initiative and supplement the troopers normally assigned to the highway.
The patrols will focus on aggressive and unsafe driving.
Officials want motorists to remain alert, drive responsibly and allow additional time for heavier holiday traffic.
Free roadside assistance is available around the clock.
Drivers can dial #223 (#ACE) for the SJTA Emergency Service Patrol, which assists with breakdowns, flat tires, dead batteries, fuel emergencies and other incidents.
Sources: South Jersey Transportation Authority holiday weekend traffic safety announcement; New Jersey State Police.
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