National initiative aims for zero fatalities for one full day.
Motorists in New Jersey and throughout the nation are asked to join a day-long effort on Oct. 10 designed to increase awareness about safe driving behaviors and keep the state’s roadways fatality free for one day.
Known as Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day, the national initiative was designed to unite the country in moving toward zero fatalities for one full day by encouraging motorists to obey all traffic laws, including buckling up every ride; driving the posted speed limit; avoiding distractions while driving; and always being safe and sober behind the wheel. Our goal is to experience a day when all roadway users are extra vigilant and there are no fatalities on our roadways.
In 2016, New Jersey saw 604 individuals lose their lives in motor vehicle-related crashes, up from 562 in 2015. Pedestrian fatalities decreased from 173 in 2015 to 165 in 2016. Even though the number decreased, this number still represents 27.3% of all crashes while nationally pedestrian fatalities are at 15%. Statewide, law enforcement agencies will be utilizing their variable message boards and conducting educational activities to raise public awareness regarding this issue during the week of Oct. 3 ending with “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day” on Oct. 10.
Hopefully, 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. 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. 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.
Additional information on the “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day” is available by logging on to www.brakesonfatalities. org.
