2015 News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2015

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of Public Affairs (609) 882-2000
Capt. Stephen Jones - ext. 6513
Lt. Brian Polite - ext. 6514
SFC Gregory Williams - ext. 6515
Sgt. Jeff Flynn - ext. 6516
Tpr.II Alina Spies - ext. 6531


Warm Wishes to Everyone this Balmy Holiday Season

West Trenton, N.J. - We often offer travel advice in preparation for unusually crowded roads, cold weather, and the sometimes snowy and icy conditions that accompany the holiday season in New Jersey.  But this year, Mother Nature’s Christmas gift to New Jersey will be a healthy dose of balmy weather.

Despite the warmer weather and anticipated favorable road conditions, motorists can expect to encounter high volume holiday traffic, combined with travelers from out of state unfamiliar with the roads, distracted drivers, aggressive drivers, and those who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Distracted and aggressive driving continues to top the list for causing motor vehicle crashes.

When traveling during the holidays, make sure you monitor weather conditions, plan extra time for your trip, have a full tank of gas, and fully charge your phone.  If you plan on drinking alcohol, have a designated driver, stay where you are, or use public transportation or a car service.  Please do not put yourself, your loved ones and others in danger by getting behind the wheel after drinking.

“Distracted driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.  “Plan ahead by having a designated driver or make other arrangements, and put down the phone when driving.  We want everyone to get to their friends and families safely this holiday season.”

The 2014 holiday driving period was not a good one. Of the 10 fatal crashes, half were the result of alcohol or drug impairment.  The official Christmas period begins at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 24 and ends on Monday, December 28.  The New Year period starts at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 31, and ends on Monday, January 4, 2016.

To combat bad driving, there will be more than 100 additional patrols scheduled for both the Christmas and New Year periods.  Troopers will be looking for aggressive driving (speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic), seatbelt usage, using handheld cell phones, and driving while intoxicated.

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