Crime & Safety

Police Urge Residents to 'Put the Brakes on Fatalities'

Motorists asked to join a day-long effort to increase awareness about safe driving behavior to keep roadways fatality free for one-day.

Written by Davy James

For two straight years in New Jersey, there has not been a single fatality on state roadways on Oct. 10.

Police agencies throughout New Jersey are hoping to make it three in a row as they recognize "Put The Brakes On Fatalities Day," a day-long effort on Oct. 10 to increase awareness about safe driving behavior.

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“Clearly, this effort will go a long way in our continuing efforts to stem the tide of tragedies that occur every day on New Jersey’s roadways,” said South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka, who recently completed a one-year term as president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.  “Shining the spotlight on this one day can help create a groundswell of support for good driving behaviors that can carry over throughout the year.”

On "Put The Brakes On Fatalities Day," motorists are asked to obey all traffic laws, including buckling up on every ride; driving the posted speed limit; avoiding distractions while driving; and always being safe and sober behind the wheel.

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In New Jersey last year, there were 589 individuals who died in motor vehicle-related crashes, which is down from 627 in 2011, according to police. New Jersey has experienced a downward trend in motor vehicle fatalities in recent years, with 2010 marking the lowest number of auto-related deaths in the state since the 1940's, police said.

“Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day not only raises awareness about the individual responsibility we have for our driving behaviors, but also engages drivers in making positive changes behind-the-wheel every day of the year,” Hayducka noted.

Additional information on the “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day” is available by logging on to www.brakesonfatalities.org.




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