NJ drivers hate speed cameras. Could they return?

Here are the top New Jersey news stories for Wednesday:

⬛ 'Caution' — NJ lacks many laws to keep drivers safe, report says

Canva

New Jersey falls way short with maximizing safety on its roadways, according to a report released Tuesday by a national nonprofit.

The Garden State earns a "caution" ranking in the 2024 Roadmap to Safety report from Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, for failing to have a number of the group's recommended laws on its books.

Just six states managed to have enough laws in place to earn a "good" rating in the report. New Jersey is one of 34 states in the second tier, for gaps in "recommended optimal laws."

⬛ How to avoid a costly headlight ticket in NJ

Canva/Townsquare Media illustration

Under Title 39, the section of New Jersey Law dealing with motor vehicles, there is a long list of requirements regarding vehicle illumination.

If you violate the rules, you could be hit with a costly ticket.

Here is how to avoid getting cited, and possibly how to get out of cops writing you that ticket.

⬛ NJ student getting off school bus hit by car, flown to hospital

(Oakcrest HS/Sheppard Bus Service via Facebook)

HAMILTON (Atlantic) — A student from Atlantic County is seriously hurt after being struck by a car while getting off the bus after school.

The 15-year-old male student was hit by a 2013 Honda Civic while getting off the bus in Hamilton Township near the intersection of Somers Point Road and Old River Road around 5:45 p.m. Monday, local police said.

⬛ McDonald's hot spills seriously burn 3 NJ women, lawsuits claim

McDonald's in Toms River (Google Maps)

NEWARK — Three women were burned when dangerously hot drinks spilled on them at various McDonald's throughout New Jersey, according to a series of recent lawsuits.

Most recently, a Newark woman filed a suit claiming she was burned on Nov. 3 at a local McDonald's on Frelinghuysen Ave.

⬛ Beaches slimed by 1,000 pounds of gunk: Investigation continues

Tar ball on Monmouth County beach compared to a penny (USCG)

The investigation into tarballs on Monmouth County beaches is in its second week Monday with no answers about their source or a connection to a similar incident in New York City.

The Coast Guard said response crews have removed about 1,000 pounds of tar balls and oiled debris from impacted beaches between Asbury Park and Sea Bright. The unified command has not found any broad impact to the environment or wildlife.

⬛ Dolphin stranded on NJ beach marks sad milestone for 2023

Dolphin washed up between Beaches A and B in Sandy Hook 12/4/23 (Warren Mager)

MIDDLETOWN — For the first time since mid-October, a dolphin was found washed up on a New Jersey beach.

Clean Ocean Action said the dolphin was found between beaches A and B in Sandy Hook Monday morning around 9:30 a.m. A person reported the discovery to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center which will investigate.

LOOK: One NJ Christmas town you need to check out

Gallery Credit: Dennis Malloy

A list of NJ malls where you can get photos with Santa for the 2023 holiday season

The annual New Jersey tradition is back for the 2023 holiday season, along with pet photos, special events, and exclusive sensory sessions.

More details and locations will be added as the holiday season progresses, so please check back often for updates. Malls are listed in alphabetical order.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

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New Jersey's First News with Eric Scott is the longest running news program in New Jersey. Eric Scott began hosting the program in 1991.

It airs live on New Jersey 101.5 each weekday morning from 5:30 - 6 a.m.

New Jersey's First News with Eric Scott is the winner of the prestigious National Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast.

Eric Scott is the senior political director and anchor for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at eric.scott@townsquaremedia.com

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