New Jersey
New Jersey gas stations lower prices to protest ban on self-service
Dozens of New Jersey fuel stations dropped their costs Friday to protest the state ban on self-service, as skyrocketing gas costs hit document highs forward of the beginning of summer season.
The decreased costs are aimed toward exhibiting motorists how a lot they might save on the pumps if the Backyard State have been to permit folks the choice of pumping their very own fuel, organizers mentioned.
The ban — the one one in all its variety within the nation — is considered as “foolish” or “embarrassing” by critics, mentioned Sal Risalvato of the New Jersey Gasoline-Comfort Retailer-Automotive Affiliation.
“When my members encounter prospects from out of state, they’re so used to pumping their fuel, they bounce out of their automobile to start out pumping their fuel and we now have to cease them,” Risalvato instructed The Put up. “And so they assume it’s ridiculous.”
However the challenge continues to hit political gridlock in a state the place many traditionalists wish to defend the perceived sanctity of full-serve.
A invoice known as the Motorist Fueling Alternative and Comfort Act is the most recent effort to repeal the ban, however is taken into account a longshot to turn into regulation. Full-serve-only has turn into “a supply of Jersey delight,” however has meant the lack of potential financial savings for motorists, he mentioned.
Self-serve has been unlawful in Jersey since 1949, when the Retail Gasoline Allotting Security Act went into impact with the purpose of decreasing hearth hazards, limiting legal responsibility insurance coverage for stations and minimizing prospects’ publicity to poisonous fuel fumes “notably within the case of pregnant ladies.”
The regulation additionally mentioned a self-serve choice would imply larger full-service costs that may result in “discrimination towards low earnings people” who’d be subjected to the hazards of pumping their very own gas.
Supporters of the longstanding ban argue that lifting it wouldn’t have a tangible impact on fuel costs and will imply a lack of service station jobs. Risalvato disagrees, noting many stations have lengthy positioned orange cones in entrance of working fuel pumps even earlier than the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These cones which are blockading fuel pumps — these are staff that don’t exist,” he mentioned. “What we wish to do is take away the orange cone and can help you pump your fuel.”
At an Exxon Station close to the doorway of the Holland Tunnel in Jersey Metropolis on Friday, about half of the station’s 22 pumps have been blocked off with cones and indicators that learn, “This pump could be open if NJ allowed self serve.”
The station was providing 15-cent reductions however was nonetheless full-serve, with staff handing out slips to prospects that mentioned, “Motorists would have $100 — $400 yearly if New Jersey allowed the choice of self-serve.”
“I’d say 75 p.c are open to it,” station supervisor Richard Fazaldin instructed The Put up. “About 25 p.c like issues the best way they’re. They’re like, ‘I don’t wish to pump it myself in any case these years.’ I clarify, ‘No, no, no, ma’am. We’re at all times going to have full serve. We’re going to have full serve and self serve.”
New York Metropolis cab driver Phil Fleurant, 54, who was filling up his 17-gallon automobile, mentioned repealing the ban could be a good suggestion due to financial savings on worth and a possible tip for the employee.
“It’s nothing to pump the fuel. Thank God, I’m not handicapped,” Fleurant mentioned. “I can do it. I work 5, six days every week. These financial savings add up.”
Pediatric dentist Yasmi Crystal mentioned she most popular full-serve.
“It’s nearly embarrassing for me, however I’m a prima donna, as a result of I’d moderately pay the cash than have my arms stink of gasoline,” Crustal mentioned. “However I’m very, very delicate to folks for whom the 15 cents imply loads.”
Jersey Metropolis resident Dante Jones, 30, mentioned he’d be completely happy to do the job himself if it meant financial savings.
“Proper now, with the costs being excessive, any cash being saved is nice,” Jones mentioned.
The trouble comes as the common fuel costs within the state hit a document excessive on Friday of $4.502 per gallon of standard unleaded — a full 50 cents larger than a month earlier and properly above the $3.057 common a 12 months in the past, in line with AAA. The nationwide common on Friday was $4.432, AAA acknowledged.
A Monmouth College ballot in April discovered that two out of three New Jerseyans would pump their very own fuel if given the choice, with 54% in favor of self-serve as long as full-service stays an choice. Solely 21% polled believed {that a} change within the regulation would truly drive costs down, in line with the survey.
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WPVI) — Two people, including a pregnant woman, are dead after a multi-vehicle crash happened in South Jersey on Friday night.
Multiple people were left injured after the fiery crash, but many were saved thanks to the quick work of good Samaritans at the scene.
It happened just before 8:30 p.m. on the 8000 block of the Black Horse Pike in the West Atlantic City section of Egg Harbor Township.
According to police, a 2017 silver Nissan Sentra was driving westbound on the Black Horse Pike when it unexpectedly entered the eastbound lanes.
Multiple people killed in fiery Egg Harbor Township, NJ crash: Police
Officers say the driver was traveling in the wrong direction.
The silver Nissan then reportedly collided head-on with a 2018 Kia Forte. The Kia was then pushed backward into a 2020 red Nissan Sentra, police say.
Authorities also said a fourth vehicle — a 2019 silver Toyota Yaris — was struck by debris thrown from one of the vehicles.
Police say the head-on collision caused the silver Nissan to catch fire.
Multiple motorists and witnesses stopped to assist the occupants out of the burning vehicle.
Good Samaritans, one being Lisa Bonanno, dragged people out of the car before it was engulfed in flames.
“It was chaotic. No one was sure what to do,” Bonanno recalled. “No one arrived yet to help, so people took it into their own hands, and that restored my faith in humanity.”
She says she’s thankful for the others who stepped in with her to help people get to safety. Bonanno also recalled how terrifying the flames were up close.
“There were some men that were there. They were the real heroes, they really pulled. They got everyone out. They had trouble getting the last one out so what I did was I tried to move them away from the car. It was going to blow,” Bonanno said.
Another good Samaritan stepped in to help the passengers of the silver Nissan as well.
The bystander, identified as Chris Wilson, is in the hospital recovering from his injuries. He helped pull a juvenile out of the burning car.
“Just hearing that kid yell like that. You can hear in his voice he wanted to live. He just wanted to live but he could not get out of that car so we did everything in our power,” Wilson recalled.
Authorities announced Saturday that two people died in the crash.
One of the victims was identified as 21-year-old Escarlin Suriel of Atlantic City, who was the driver of the Kia Forte. Action News spoke with Suriel’s family on Saturday, who said she was eight months pregnant with her second child.
Suriel’s husband, who was also a passenger in the Kia — 27-year-old Francisco Nin — was taken to the hospital with serious injuries after the crash.
Police identified the second victim as 22-year-old Gabriella Constrantino, who was a passenger in the silver Nissan.
According to investigators, two juvenile passengers in the silver Nissan were taken to the hospital and listed in critical condition.
Another passenger, a 25-year-old man, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
Finally, two occupants of the red Nissan were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
As authorities investigate the crash, Bonanno and Wilson say this incident is something that they will always carry with them.
“I had trouble at night sleeping because I felt like I could have stayed longer and did more, but in reality, I couldn’t and that’s what was hard for everyone,” Bonanno said.
“It was just really surreal. The youth that are still here, I’m glad they still have a fighting chance,” Wilson added.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) — All hail the Garden State! Did you know July 27 is recognized as National New Jersey Day in the United States? Proud New Jerseyans of all kinds have been taking to social media to celebrate their home state in all of its glory.
The official New Jersey government social media accounts posted a video on Instagram, X and Facebook featuring the mascots that call New Jersey home, including the Princeton Tiger, Boomer from the Trenton Thunder, the Rutgers Scarlet Knight, and Buster from the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.
Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady of New Jersey Tammy Murphy celebrated National New Jersey Day by having lunch with the couple who are in the process of eating at every diner in the state of New Jersey.
The Murphys sat down with Karri and Jon Ricklin at the New Monmouth Diner in Middletown Township on the 244th stop of their journey.
Beyond classic diners and iconic mascots, there are so many wonderful things to do and so many beautiful things to see in New Jersey.
You can celebrate the national holiday by walking the endless miles of beautiful beaches, popping out to witness the legendary nightlife of Atlantic City, or visiting locations from various famous television shows shot in New Jersey, like, “The Sopranos” and “Jersey Shore.”
Maybe you’ll stay local and enjoy a scoop of water ice and a breakfast sandwich with pork roll… or is it Taylor ham?
Regardless of what you decide to do, be sure to celebrate the third state to join the Union in honor of National New Jersey Day.
This story was written by CBS News Philadelphia intern, Ryan Avery.
There are locations throughout New Jersey that are the epitome of great history with landmarks that shaped the fabric of this country. New Jersey is also rich in culture, diversity and a less known but significant art scene.
Families are now looking more closely into choices that are rich in culture but not a burden on the budget. If you live in New Jersey your family time, date time or getaway time should be enjoying these offerings.
Photo via Tom Merton
The people at AirportParkingReservations.com compiled a ranking of the best places to go here in New Jersey for culture, art, and history. The data they collected was based on the number of museums, art galleries, landmarks, and libraries in each city in New Jersey. A ranking was assigned based on the number of culture destinations in each location.
#5 – Elizabeth
Coming in at number 5 was Elizabeth, NJ with 2 museums, 1 art gallery, 6 libraries, and 1 landmark. Elizabeth drew a ranking of 20.6.
#4 – Camden
Coming in at number 4 was Camden with a ranking slightly over 23.
#3 – Trenton
Trenton at number 3 had 7 museums but no art galleries and 3 landmarks which gave them a ranking of 37.5.
#2 – Newark
Number 2 Newark boasted 6 museums, 6 art galleries, a whopping 17 libraries and 6 landmarks. That impressive stat garnered Newark a culture ranking of 64.6.
#1 – Jersey City
Coming in with a ranking of 89.7, the number one destination for art galleries, libraries, landmarks, and museums is Jersey City! They have it all. With 5 Museums, 10 art galleries, 15 libraries and 8 landmarks
There are cost-efficient cultural destinations available throughout New Jersey. Take advantage of what we have here in New Jersey.
LOOK: Most common domestic destinations from Trenton Mercer Airport
Gallery Credit: Stacker
The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host Big Joe Henry. Any opinions expressed are Big Joe’s own.
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