Anyone who plans to drive on the New Jersey Turnpike beginning Tuesday might want to be especially mindful of obeying traffic laws.

That’s when New Jersey State Police will begin the first of the three targeted enforcement periods along the toll road.

The following statement was given to YWN by the NJSP:

Colonel Rick Fuentes will join the 14 State Police and Highway Patrol agencies, in addition to other local law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction along the Interstate 95 corridor, in an effort to decrease traffic crashes and the resulting injuries and deaths. The effort has been named the “I-95 Challenge” and is part of the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s (IACP) “Drive to Save Lives” campaign, which is a national effort aimed at significantly reducing the more than 33,000 highway deaths that occur annually on U.S. roadways.

This year’s initiative will be a joint effort by multiple agencies aimed at increasing awareness of traffic safety issues by increasing traffic enforcement along the corridor, with an emphasis on large truck and bus operation, as well as unsafe driving behaviors of all motorists.

The challenge will involve three enforcement periods commencing in March 24-29, August 4-9, and December 29-31. During these dates, the New Jersey State Police will have increased patrols across the state along I-95. Specific patrols will focus on commercial vehicle operation, while other patrols will focus on speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving, seatbelt enforcement, and proper use of cell phones.

“We are always exploring new ways to combat crash-related fatalities and injuries,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “In addition to increased boots on the ground, we plan on using social media messaging to educate and ultimately deter unsafe driving practices, not only along I-95, but statewide.

(Fred Silverstein – YWN)