Cherry Hill Sun

Tag: new jersey

  • Data shows seat belt use on rise

    The New Jersey’s seat belt usage rate has risen significantly following the state-wide Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign last year, according to the state’s annual observational survey.

    The survey – submitted by the New Jersey Institute of Technology and the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety – showed that nearly 95% of front-seat occupants wear a seat belt. The increase reflects one of the strongest post-campaign compliance gains in recent years and places the state well above the most recently reported national seat belt usage rate of 91.2%.

    “Seat belts save lives,” said Attorney General Matthew Platkin in a press release, “and we are committed to ensuring that this message gets through to … drivers. Nearly 95% of New Jersey drivers and front-seat passengers are buckling up, and that’s a marked increase over the previous year.”

    The annual observational survey – submitted in accordance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Uniform Criteria – recorded an overall front-seat occupant usage rate of 94.97% in 2025, compared with 90.51% in 2024. Driver use rose to 95.11% from 90.86%, and front-seat passenger use increased to 94.22% from 89.10%. SUVs again demonstrated the highest compliance, with a rate of 96.56%.

    The survey revealed significant progress at the county level: Burlington, Union and Passaic counties posted the largest increases in front-seat passenger usage. Rates varied by road type as well; the highest rates for front-seat occupants and drivers were observed on primary roads, while front-seat passengers demonstrated the highest usage on secondary roads. Local roads all remained above 93%.

    The survey was conducted following the state enforcement campaign from May 12 through June 1 of 2025. New Jersey’s federally approved survey design is a representative sampling of usage across road types and counties and ensures roadway and site selections are refreshed at least every five years, as required by federal regulation. 

  • Legislators press federal agencies on drone sightings

    Legislators who included newly elected U.S. Sen. Andy Kim and Sen. Cory Booker have sent a joint letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – among other agencies – requesting with “urgent concern” an immediate briefing from federal agencies on recent mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey and New York.

    Along with DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the letter went to administrator Michael Whitaker of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and FBI Director Christopher A. Wray on Dec. 11.

    “As you know, since late November, communities in the New York City area and northern New Jersey have reported several incidents of unattributable drone sightings at night, alarming both residents and local law enforcement,” the letter stated. “… In addition to potential privacy concerns raised by these aerial systems, we are also especially concerned about how these drones may harm public safety, especially given recent reports that a medivac helicopter was prevented from transporting a seriously injured patient for care because of the presence of these drones.

    “The potential safety and security risks posed by these drones in civilian areas is especially pertinent considering recent drone incursions at sensitive military sites in and outside of the continental United States over the past year,” the letter added.

    “Protecting civilian infrastructure, safety, and privacy, as well as military assets and personnel, will require a comprehensive response from Congress and the executive branch.”

    Booker and Kim were joined in the letter by U.S. senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles E. Schumer of New York, who requested a federal response no later than Dec. 23. U.S. and New Jersey homeland security officials have told legislators there “is no known threat” from the drones, but as assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin observed, “there was also no explanation given for the increased sightings.”

    “Like most residents, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and I want answers as soon as possible, and we will continue to press federal authorities for additional information.”

  • Commissioners urging residents to conserve water as state upgrades drought watch status to drought warning

    The State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has upgraded the state’s drought watch status to a drought warning as New Jersey continues to experience historically dry and warm conditions. Due to this development, the Board of Commissioners is urging residents to conserve water and adhere to the state’s fire restrictions.

    “Unfortunately, these dry and warm conditions have not weakened and have caused wildfires across the state to drastically increase,” said Commissioner Jon Young, liaison to the Office of Sustainability. “Residents are urged to continue conserving water as we endure these intensely dry conditions. This situation is ongoing, and we will update our residents on any important developments from the state.”

    New Jersey has a three-stage drought advisory system where a drought watch, which was declared on Oct. 17, is the first step. Under a drought watch, conservation is encouraged but a warning enables the DEP to more closely manage water systems by directing water transfers among systems, controlling releases from reservoirs, and modifying the rate of flow in streams and rivers in order to balance ecological protection and needs of water suppliers.

    Since early October, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has responded to 537 wildfires, which is a more than 1,300% increase in wildfires over the same period last year. Since the start of the year, nearly 1,300 wildfires have burned over 11,000 acres. The average number of fires per year since the year 2000 is 1,071 wildfires and 4,000 acres burned. 

    Due to the ongoing dry and warm conditions, mandatory statewide Stage 3 fire restrictions remain in effect. These restrictions prohibit all fires unless they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, or electricity. No wood or charcoal fires are allowed, and the use of kerosene or gas torches of any kind is prohibited while this level of restriction is in place.  

    The public is strongly encouraged to follow these tips to reduce water use: 

    • At this time of year, it is appropriate to let lawns go dormant for the season. 
    • Winterize, and shut off irrigation systems as soon as possible. 
    • Only use a watering can to water flowers and shrubs or allow them to go dormant for the season. 
    • Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than a hose. 
    • Use a commercial car wash that recycles water, as washing your car at home typically results in more water use. 
    • To save water at home, fix leaky faucets and pipes. Consider replacing your toilet with a low-flow version; this can save around 11,000 gallons per year. 
    • Upgrade your showerhead to low-flow versions, which can save some 7,700 gallons per year. 
    • Upgrade your faucets or install faucet aerators; this can save some 16,000 gallons per year.

    The most up-to-date information about the status of New Jersey’s water supplies can be found at dep.nj.gov/drought/

    For more water conservation tips, go to: dep.nj.gov/drought/current-conditions/