NJDOT promotes hwy. safety
State Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Kris Kolluri kicked off Memorial Day and the shore summer season by reiterating the DOT's commitment to highway safety and encouraging motorists to exercise caution as they enjoy the upcoming summer season.

"As we welcome the summer season, NJDOT is promoting safety by suspending construction on state highways, expanding the hours of our emergency service patrols throughout the state, and urging drivers to obey the speed limit," Kolluri said. "In addition, I encourage motorists to check out our new real-time traffic Web site, www.NJ511.info, and to dial 511 for voice-activated telephone information regarding traffic, weather and construction."

The real-time traffic Web site, www.NJ511.info, offers interactive maps and displays traffic incidents. The Google Maps-basedWeb site offers motorists realtime traffic conditions on state highways, interstate highways, the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike. The Web site highlights incidents, construction, weather and special events.

Drivers are encouraged to call the following numbers for roadside assistance or to report a disabled vehicle, roadside debris or other problems. On the turnpike, call 95; on the Garden State Parkway, call GSP (477); on the Atlantic City Expressway, call ACE (223). To report aggressive driving on any road, call 77. Motorists should continue to dial 911 for emergencies. Drivers can also find updated information on all roads, 24 hours a day, at www.njcommuter.com.

Express E-ZPass is now available at eight toll plazas along the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. Express E-ZPass allows customers to travel through toll areas at normal driving speeds because of the removal of certain toll barriers and the addition of E-ZPass sensors on an overhead gantry. At each location, traditional E-ZPass and cash lanes are also available.

The DOT urges motorists to exercise caution while driving this summer. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 3 and 33 in the United States. According to the AAA, nearly 13,000 people will die in highway crashes nationwide during the period that begins with Memorial Day weekend and ends Labor Day.