Safety Starts with Sober Driving

West Trenton, N.J. – The day before Thanksgiving is typically one of the busiest travel days of the year, so if you plan on traveling, we encourage you to take the time to prepare for the unexpected associated with holiday traffic. We want everyone traveling New Jersey’s busy roadways this holiday weekend to get to and from their destinations safely. We encourage you to prepare for your travel by following a few safety tips. Before you head out, please consider the following:

• Fill up your gas tank

• Check fluids (including windshield washer fluid and antifreeze)

• Check tire pressure

• Bring a mobile phone charger

• Carry a flashlight with new batteries

• Bring bottles of water and nonperishable snacks

• Don’t drive drowsy. Symptoms of driving tired are similar to those of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Use service areas to rest, stretch your legs, or grab a cup a coffee

• Let someone know your travel plans

• Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly

• Plan to leave yourself more time to get where you are going

The easiest tip to follow to ensure everyone’s safety this holiday is to not get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. During the 2021 Thanksgiving holiday period, there were 13 fatal crashes that resulted in 15 deaths on New Jersey roadways. Drug and/or alcohol impairment was found to be a contributing factor in seven of the crashes. These types of tragedies can be easily avoided by having a designated driver, using a taxi or transportation service such as Uber or Lyft, or making plans to stay with friends or family.

The New Jersey State Police will have more than 75 additional troopers statewide during the holiday period in addition to normal patrols. Troopers will focus their efforts on speeding, aggressive driving, seatbelt usage, distracted driving, and DWI.

“DWI education and enforcement will always be a top priority for the New Jersey State Police. Our goal is zero crash fatalities. We are doing our part by having additional troopers on patrol to help keep our roads safe, but we cannot do it alone,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Safety starts with sober driving and last year, seven of those tragedies could have been prevented by drivers making the decision to not get behind the wheel. On behalf of the New Jersey State Police, I wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.”

The 2022 Thanksgiving holiday period begins on Wednesday, November 23, at 6:00 p.m. and ends on Monday, November 28, at 6:00 a.m.

courtesy NJSP