Posted on February 1, 2012
Topics: Automobile Accidents
The New Jersey State Police plan to be out in full force on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway on Super Bowl Sunday, according to an article on NorthJersey.com. Law enforcement officials are cracking down on highway safety in anticipation of Super Bowl parties, which often involve drinking. In fact, transportation and law enforcement officials say Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most dangerous days of the year for motorists.
“The Super Bowl… is traditionally a very bad day for fatalities, not just in this state but nationally,” Deputy Troop Commander Frank McVey said. According to McVey, there will be zero tolerance for drunk driving, speeding, seat belt violations and texting.
Traffic safety is a concern every year at Super Bowl time, but this year officials are aware of fans excited to see their home team play. “There is more of an interest and there will be more fans interested in the game. We know that there is a potential for increased drinking, and party-goers may choose to indulge and drive,” said Gary Poduebicky, acting director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
New Jersey State Police indicated its efforts may expand beyond the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway but declined to elaborate on what areas may be targeted. Additional details are to be made available Thursday, February 2, at a press conference in Hackensack.
We applaud the State Police’s extra efforts to keep our roads safe. The initiative is the first step towards a more aggressive approach to improve safety on New Jersey roadways. Recently, the Turnpike Authority has noticed a spike in crashes and highway fatalities, even though the number of miles motorists traveled has declined.
Thirteen people lost their lives on the turnpike in 2010; in 2011, that figure doubled, according to Turnpike Authority data. The number of miles traveled on the turnpike declined from 5.8 billion in 2010 to 5.7 billion in 2011.
Frank McVey said Troop D, the troopers responsible for patrolling the parkway and turnpike, will be performing increased enforcement at least two days each month. The next targeted days following Super Bowl Sunday are February 17 and 24. However, those days could change and additional days could be added.
“It’s going to be on random days,” McVey said. “Hopefully, you can’t travel more than a couple miles without seeing a trooper.”
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