2017 News Release

State Police Hopes Everyone has a Fun and Safe Holiday Weekend

On Land and on Water

West Trenton, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police would like everyone to enjoy their extended holiday weekend safely. This may include getting together with family and friends at a barbecue, driving to the Jersey shore to enjoy the beach, or going out on the water on a boat.

The 2017 July 4th holiday officially begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30 and continues through 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5. During the holiday period last year, eight people died on New Jersey roadways.  Four out of the seven crash fatalities were found to have drug or alcohol impairment as a contributing factor. 

This year, more than 110 troopers will be on special details targeting aggressive driving, speeding, seatbelt usage, distracted driving, and DWI in addition to regularly scheduled patrols.

Troopers from our Marine Services Bureau will also be participating in Operation Dry Water, a national boating under the influence (BUI) initiative sponsored by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, (NASBLA) in partnership with the United States Coast Guard. 

Operation Dry Water runs from June 30 to July 2, and is a weekend of BUI enforcement aimed at reducing the number of alcohol and drug related accidents and fatalities on the water.  Troopers will be conducting BUI patrols and educating the public on the hazards of boating under the influence. 

In 2016, there were 125 boating accidents that resulted in 7 fatalities, and alcohol remains as the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Impairment can be even more dangerous for boaters than for drivers, since most boaters have less experience and confidence operating a boat than they do driving a car.

If you plan on going out on the water, please wear a life jacket. According to the 2016 U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics, the majority of the people who drowned in a recreational boating accident were not wearing a life jacket. A good synopsis of boating requirements can be found on the State Police website at www.njsp.org under boating safety.

“Our increased presence on New Jersey roads and waterways serves to promote a safe driving and boating environment for all,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Safety is our number one priority, so we want everyone to enjoy the holiday weekend responsibly.”

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