Just as Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. Accordingly, people throughout the state of New Jersey get together for one last hurrah before the leaves begin to fall. Sometimes these parties are large events.
The state of New Jersey is just one of many throughout the nation that are stepping up the patrol of roads to try to combat the anticipated increase in drunk individuals behind the wheel of motor vehicles over the extended Labor Day weekend.
In total, an additional 150 officers will be patrolling roads throughout the state. In addition to not drinking, there are several things law enforcement officers are reminding drivers to do to stay safe on the road including:
- Using hands-free devices when talking on the cellphone while driving
- Giving emergency vehicles plenty of room when stopped on the road
- Driving at the speed posted
The initiative is a part of the annual national campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” that focuses on reducing the number of traffic incidents resulting in serious injuries or deaths because of drunk driving. In 2011, despite a similar campaign, a total of four people died as a result of alcohol related crashes.
Whether the numbers will be any better this year will probably be determined early Tuesday morning. It is highly probable however that residents of New Jersey are hopeful that the weekend will come and go without any traffic fatalities, for any reason, period.
Source: Statehouse Bureau, “N.J. State Police to increase patrols over Labor Day weekend,” Christopher Baxter, Aug. 30, 2012
- Drunk driving accidents are a problem throughout the country year-round. We provide counsel to individuals who have been injured or lost loved ones due to drunk drivers. For more information on the matter, please visit our Somerville drunk driving accident page.