New Jersey State Police to Increase Presence in Toms River and Brick to Crack Down on Labor Day DWI
NJSP to deploy 150 additional officers to combat drunk driving and other reckless behavior behind the wheel.
Trenton–Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police announced increased patrols across the state that will focus on enforcing the laws and aiding holiday travelers this Labor Day weekend. With inclement weather scheduled for this weekend, we urge drivers to make safety their number one priority. To ensure that drivers are following the rules of the road, troopers will conduct highly visible patrols to deter unsafe driving behaviors.
In addition to the regularly scheduled patrols, The New Jersey State Police will have over 150 extra troopers on patrol working various traffic and DWI details.
“Drivers are not only responsible for their actions behind the wheel but they are also responsible for the well being of the passengers who are in the vehicle with them,” Colonel Fuentes said. “Those who choose to engage in dangerous driving activities such as distracted driving and driving while intoxicated will be held accountable for their actions.”
Colonel Fuentes reminds motorists to obey the “Move Over Law” enacted to protectNew Jersey’s first responders. The law requires motorists approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, highway maintenance or emergency service vehicles with their emergency lights activated to do so with caution, specifically by moving over one lane or by slowing down if a lane change is not possible. Each year inNew Jersey, emergency responder vehicles are struck by passing motorists while on car stops or at the scene of traffic accidents. In an effort to decrease these types of accidents, additional signs will be in place throughoutNew Jersey’s roadways to increase awareness of the Move Over Law. A violation of this law can result in a fine of no less than $100 and no more than $500.
Another important factor contributing to accidents is fatigue. Many travelers try to squeeze every last minute out of the Labor Day weekend and end up driving while exhausted. To help eliminate fatigue, know your route of travel and make frequent stops. During long holiday weekends, fatigue often contributes to crashes.
Inattentive driving is perhaps the single most unreported factor leading to motor vehicle crashes. Texting and handheld mobile device usage are illegal inNew Jerseyand many other states, but it’s still common to see people violating these laws when police are not around. There are a variety of unmarked State Police vehicles being used by uniformed troopers, so the only sure way to avoid a ticket is to use only phones equipped for hands-free operation. Other common distractions include map reading, sound system adjustments, built-in video/game monitors, and dealing with children in the back seat.
The State Police will continue to target drivers and their passengers who are not wearing seat belts including children not properly secured in approved child restraint safety seats. More than half of the traffic fatalities in the state come from non-seat belted occupants.
The 2012 Labor Day Holiday officially begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 31st and continues through 5:59 a.m., Tuesday, September 4th. During the previous Labor Day holiday, 4 persons lost their lives in accidents onNew Jersey roadways. Superintendent Fuentes hopes that the public will continue to do their part to reduce traffic fatalities.
In addition to increased land-based safety responsibilities, personnel assigned to the State Police Marine Bureau will be patrolling all the waterways throughout the summer boating season. Enforcement activities will focus on boaters drinking alcohol and persons recklessly operating personal watercraft (jet skis) 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.
Posted by Ocean County News
on Aug 31 2012. Filed under Brick, Jersey Shore, New Jersey, Photos, Police Blotter, Toms River.
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