TRENTON – Tomorrow is a special day for traffic safety officials in New Jersey. October 10 is “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day”, which for safety advocates is a 24-hour initiative to ensure that there are zero motor vehicle fatalities on that day.
The Division of Highway Traffic Safety (DHTS) has been participating in this national awareness day for 13 years by reminding the public about all traffic safety issues including: impaired driving, distracted driving, occupant protection, pedestrian and bicyclist safety. For the last two years, the initiative has worked.
“We are looking for a three-peat,” said DHTS Acting Director Gary Poedubicky. “We are buoyed by the fact this push has been successful for two consecutive years and we feel confident that our local partners can help us get the word out to the public. We want to encourage every driver, pedestrian, motorcyclist and bicyclist to be exceptionally careful so that for at least one day, there will be no fatalities on New Jersey's roads.”
New Jersey is currently experiencing a trend of fewer motor vehicle fatalities. From 2003 to 2012, there has been a nearly 20 percent decrease in deaths on the road. So far this year, 402 people have been killed in motor vehicle crashes, which represents a decline of 8.8 percent from last year at this point.
“Despite the improving safety numbers, we want everyone to be extra vigilant tomorrow. Many of the tragedies on our roads are completely preventable. You can ensure your safety and that of your loved ones by taking simple steps like wearing seatbelt, never driving distracted or after you’ve been drinking.”
The Division is offering the following reminders to aid in its efforts to prevent fatalities:
- Buckle up, everyone, every ride
- Hang up! Just Drive
- Never drink and drive
- Motorists, stop for pedestrians in the crosswalks/Pedestrians, look both ways before crossing
- Obey all traffic signs and signals
- Move over for emergency vehicles
- Share the road with motorcycles
- Avoid aggressive drivers and driving aggressively
- Keep children safe by using the appropriate safety seat
- Slow down in work zones
For more information on “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day”, please visit the Division’s web site at: www.nj.gov/oag/hts/put-brakes-fatality-day.html.
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