Pricey gas won’t thin Shore traffic

Glorious weather this Memorial Day weekend should lure more than the average number of holiday motorists to the Jersey Shore.

So plan for inevitable delays on the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway and the Atlantic City Expressway, authorities said.

"Prepare yourself to wait in long lines of traffic by leaving extra time, having drinks in the car, and a full tank," said Sgt. Steve Jones, spokesman for the New Jersey State Police.

Joe Orlando, spokesman for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, said $4 gas is unlikely to put the breaks on a holiday weekend at the beach.

He's expecting 1.4 million vehicles today on the Turnpike and Parkway. A normal Friday sees about 1.2 million, Orlando said.

"Gas prices aren't going to keep anybody home," Orlando said. "Even if the number is down slightly, it's going to be no comfort to those sitting through miles and miles of delays over the next three days."

State troopers will be out in force and working with local police departments to enforce the state's seatbelt laws, Jones said.

Police will also be on the alert for aggressive, drowsy, and drunk drivers.

"One more important tip," Jones said. "Check your car's coolant level," Jones said. "Why spend time waiting for a tow truck when you can be at the beach?"