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Essential Insurance & Safety Information for the Holiday Weekend

Labor Day Weekend 2025: Bergen County Traffic Safety Guide

Navigate the busiest travel weekend safely with real-time traffic updates, DUI checkpoint locations, and critical insurance protection tips.

Insurance consultation office scene with professionals discussing coverage options

Critical Weekend Alert

Labor Day Weekend sees a 136% increase in accidents across Bergen County. Last year: 342 total accidents, 127 DUI arrests, $4.2M in property damage.

5 DUI Checkpoints Active3x Normal Traffic Volume45+ Min Delays Expected
August 28, 202510 min readTraffic Safety

As Bergen County prepares for Labor Day Weekend 2025, drivers face the year's most challenging traffic conditions. With over 1.5 million vehicles expected to traverse our major highways and beach-bound traffic creating massive bottlenecks, preparation is essential for both safety and sanity.

This comprehensive guide provides real-time traffic intelligence, DUI checkpoint locations, insurance protection strategies, and critical safety information specific to Bergen County's unique traffic patterns. Whether you're heading to the Jersey Shore, hosting a backyard BBQ, or navigating local shopping areas, this guide will help you stay safe and protected.

Bergen County Traffic Hotspots & Peak Times

Route 17 Corridor

Friday 3-8 PM, Monday 2-7 PM

EXTREME CONGESTION2024 Accidents: 47

Paramus mall traffic combines with shore-bound travelers. Expect 45+ minute delays between Route 4 and Garden State Parkway.

Alternate Routes:

Consider Kinderkamack Road or Route 208 North to Route 287

Route 4 East/West

Friday 2-7 PM, Saturday 10 AM-2 PM

HIGH CONGESTION2024 Accidents: 31

GW Bridge Approach

All weekend, worst Friday 4-8 PM

EXTREME CONGESTION2024 Accidents: 28

Garden State Parkway

Friday 1-8 PM southbound, Monday 12-8 PM northbound

HIGH CONGESTION2024 Accidents: 52

Route 80/Route 46 Junction

Friday 3-6 PM, Sunday 4-7 PM

MODERATE CONGESTION2024 Accidents: 23

DUI Checkpoint Locations

Bergen County law enforcement will operate multiple DUI checkpoints throughout the holiday weekend. These locations are publicly announced to encourage safe driving decisions.

Route 17 South - Paramus (Near Garden State Plaza)

Paramus Police with Bergen County Sheriff

Friday 8/30 10 PM - 3 AM

Route 4 East - Teaneck (Near Cedar Lane)

Teaneck Police Department

Saturday 8/31 9 PM - 2 AM

Route 46 - Saddle Brook

Saddle Brook Police with State Police

Sunday 9/1 8 PM - 1 AM

Palisades Interstate Parkway - Englewood Cliffs

Palisades Interstate Parkway Police

Monday 9/2 7 PM - 12 AM

Route 208 - Fair Lawn

Fair Lawn Police Department

Friday 8/30 11 PM - 2 AM

Remember: The best plan is always to designate a sober driver, use rideshare services, or stay overnight. A DUI conviction in NJ means license suspension, up to $10,000 in fines, and insurance rates that can triple.

Labor Day Weekend Accident Statistics

2024 Labor Day Weekend

Total Accidents:342
Fatal Accidents:3
DUI Arrests:127
Injuries:89
Property Damage:$4.2M

Peak Accident Times

Friday 5-7 PM
47
Saturday 2-4 PM
38
Sunday 6-8 PM
41
Monday 3-5 PM
52

vs. Regular Weekend

136% increase

Regular Weekend Average

145 accidents

Insurance Coverage Recommendations

Verify Coverage Limits

  • Confirm liability limits meet NJ minimums: 15/30/5
  • Consider 100/300/100 for holiday weekend protection
  • Check uninsured motorist coverage (25% of holiday drivers lack insurance)
  • Verify rental car coverage if traveling

Review Deductibles

  • Know your collision deductible amount
  • Understand comprehensive coverage for vandalism/theft
  • Consider lowering deductibles temporarily for high-risk weekend
  • Check glass coverage for windshield damage

Emergency Roadside Coverage

  • Verify towing coverage and limits
  • Save insurance company 24/7 claim number
  • Download insurance company mobile app
  • Keep digital copies of insurance cards

Quick Insurance Check

Before hitting the road this weekend, take 5 minutes to review your auto insurance policy. Verify your coverage limits, deductibles, and ensure your insurance cards are current. Consider increasing liability limits temporarily for the holiday weekend when accident risk is highest.

What To Do If You're In An Accident

1

Ensure Safety First

  • Move to safe location if possible
  • Turn on hazard lights
  • Check for injuries - call 911 if needed
  • Set up reflective triangles if available
2

Call Police

  • Required for accidents over $1,000 damage in NJ
  • Get police report number
  • Note responding officer badge number
  • Request copy of accident report
3

Document Everything

  • Take photos from multiple angles
  • Capture license plates and VIN numbers
  • Document road conditions and weather
  • Record exact location with street signs
4

Exchange Information

  • Driver license and insurance cards
  • Name, address, phone numbers
  • Vehicle make, model, year, color
  • Do NOT admit fault or discuss details
5

Contact Insurance

  • Report claim within 24 hours
  • Provide claim number to repair shops
  • Schedule damage inspection
  • Keep all receipts for expenses

Emergency Contact Numbers

Emergency: 911

Bergen County Sheriff: (201) 336-3500

NJ State Police: (609) 882-2000

Midland Insurance 24/7 Claims:

(201) 812-2184

Save this number in your phone now!

Safety Tips for Bergen County Families

Before You Drive

Check tire pressure and tread depth
Test brakes and lights
Clean windshield and check wipers
Plan route and check traffic apps
Ensure phone is fully charged
Pack emergency kit with water and snacks

While Driving

Increase following distance to 4+ seconds
Use headlights even during day
Take breaks every 2 hours
Avoid peak traffic hours when possible
Stay in right lane except when passing
Monitor traffic apps for real-time updates

Shore Traffic Tips

Leave before 6 AM or after 7 PM
Use Route 35 instead of Garden State Parkway
Consider train to shore points
Book accommodations to avoid same-day returns
Pack coolers night before to save morning time
Fill gas tank before entering shore areas

Jersey Shore Traffic Strategy

Best Departure Times

Friday before 6 AMBEST
Friday after 8 PMGOOD
Saturday before 7 AMMODERATE
Friday 1-7 PMAVOID

Popular Shore Destinations

Point Pleasant72 miles, 90-180 min
Seaside Heights82 miles, 100-200 min
Long Beach Island95 miles, 120-210 min
Cape May145 miles, 180-270 min

Pro Tip: Consider NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line from Secaucus or Newark. Trains run hourly to major shore points, avoiding all highway traffic. Weekend passes available for families.

Protect Your Family This Labor Day Weekend

Don't let inadequate insurance coverage ruin your holiday weekend. Our expert agents can review your policy and ensure you have proper protection for high-risk holiday driving conditions.

Stay Safe, Bergen County

Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and for many Bergen County families, it's a time for celebration, relaxation, and making memories. By taking proper precautions, planning your routes carefully, and ensuring adequate insurance protection, you can focus on what matters most - enjoying time with family and friends.

Remember that patience and preparation are your best tools for navigating the holiday weekend safely. Leave early, drive defensively, and never drive under the influence. The few extra minutes you spend in traffic are worth arriving safely at your destination.

From all of us at Midland Associates Insurance Services LLC, we wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable Labor Day Weekend. If you need assistance with insurance claims, have questions about coverage, or experience any issues on the road, our team is here to help 24/7.

Midland Associates Insurance Services LLC Safety Team

Protecting Bergen County families since 2019. We're committed to keeping our community safe through education, proper insurance coverage, and 24/7 support when you need us most.