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West
Trenton, New Jersey - State troopers will
not only enforce New Jersey’s Traffic
Laws, but also the illegal possession of
fireworks during the 4th of July holiday
weekend. In an effort to prevent injuries
and property damage, State Police have stepped-up
enforcement activities during the summer
confiscating fireworks wherever found, and
stopping drunk and aggressive drivers in
their tracks.
State
Troopers will continue to partner with local
and county law enforcement officers in a
high- intensity enforcement program targeting
drivers who operate under the influence
of alcohol.
Additional patrols will be mobilized statewide
to identify drinking and drowsy drivers
and responding to motorists calls for service.
Colonel
Rick Fuentes Superintendent of State Police
believes feels there is room for improvement
in traffic safety. “The goal we set
each year is for a fatality free holiday.
We can only attain that goal if the motoring
public adheres to the driving behaviors
that constitute safe driving,” said
Colonel Fuentes.
As
part of the overall holiday safety program,
increased numbers of uniformed and plain
clothed state troopers will be assigned
to monitor traffic and large public gatherings.
The
2010 July 4th holiday officially begins
at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 2nd and continues
through 6:00 a.m. on Monday, July 5th. During
the 2009 July 4th holiday, four persons
lost their lives in four crashes on New
Jersey roadways. So far this year, 244 people
have died in traffic accidents compared
to 275 highway deaths recorded during the
same period in 2009.
“The
decrease in fatalities from last year is
encouraging, but we would like to reduce
the number even more this year,” said
Fuentes.
“Remaining safe on our highways is
a shared responsibility,” said Division
of Highway Traffic Safety Director Pam Fischer.
“This summer, we will be re-emphasizing
the importance of pedestrians always using
crosswalks, and reminding motorists that,
when approaching crosswalks, they should
be alert for pedestrians and stop and allow
them to cross safely.”
In
addition to increased land-based safety
responsibilities, Colonel Fuentes stressed
that personnel assigned to the State Police
Marine Bureau will be patrolling the waterways
throughout the summer boating season. Enforcement
activities will focus on boaters drinking
alcoholic beverages, using illegal drugs,
and persons recklessly operating personal
watercraft (jet skis) and other powered
vessels.
New Jersey’s boating laws and regulations
require that all power vessel operators
regardless of date of birth, possess a New
Jersey boat safety certificate. No one 12
years of age or under are permitted to operate
a power vessel in New Jersey. Individuals
who are at least 13 years of age, but less
than 16 years of age, who are in possession
of a boat safety certificate, may operate
a power vessel with less than 10 horsepower.
Those who are at least 16 years of age,
who are in possession of a boat safety certificate,
may operate a power vessel or personal watercraft.
Power vessel operators who are not in possession
of a boat safety certificate will be subject
to fines ranging from $100 to $500.
The
stepped-up enforcement effort is to stem
the flow of illegal fireworks into New Jersey
from other states. Enforcement activities
are geared to ensure strict adherence to
the law. It is a crime to sell, use, and/or
possess any kind of fireworks including
firecrackers, Roman candles, M80’s,
cherry bombs, salutes, and even sparklers
in New Jersey without a valid permit. Patrols
will also monitor motorists who venture
into Pennsylvania or surrounding states
to purchase fireworks and transport them
back into New Jersey. Possession of fireworks
is a disorderly persons offense, but possession
with the intent to sell is a fourth-degree
offense, with a possible maximum penalty
of 18 months imprisonment and fines up to
$10,000.
In
any given year, the State Police confiscates
between 500 and 1,000 cases of illegal fireworks
or approximately six to eight tons of illegal
explosives. “Fireworks are best left
to trained professionals. Each year emergency
rooms are filled with patients who are injured
by illegal fireworks,” said New Jersey
State Police Superintendent Colonel Rick
Fuentes.
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