Motorists in New Jersey and throughout the nation are asked to join a day-long effort on October 10, 2018, 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; using proper child restraints; driving the posted speed limit; avoiding distractions while driving; and always being safe and sober behind the wheel. This campaign is also geared towards pedestrians, so we are encouraging pedestrians to use cross walks; and to avoid distractions and use of their cellphones while walking. Our goal is to experience a day when all roadway users are extra vigilant and there are no fatalities on our roadways.
Last year in the state of New Jersey, 604 individuals lost their lives in motor vehicle-related crashes, up from 562 in 2016. Pedestrian fatalities decreased from 173 in 2015 to 165 in 2015. Even though the number decreased this number 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 October 3rd ending with “Brakes on Fatalities Day” on October 10th.
To support this effort, Director Daniel J. Zieser has announced that the Township of Union Police Department will join other municipal police departments throughout the State of New Jersey in supporting this important public safety message to the public. “We have posted one electronic billboard in the area of the Five Points shopping district (Galloping Hill Rd & Chestnut St.), and one electronic billboard in the area of Union Center (Morris Ave & Stuyvesant Ave.), reminding pedestrians to walk safely”, Said Director Zieser. The township will also post a pedestrian safety message on the electronic billboard located at the corner of Morris Ave & Elmwood Ave.
“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. Shining the spotlight on this one day can help create a groundswell of support for good driving and pedestrian behaviors that can carry over throughout the year.” said Director Zieser. “By participating in this important initiative we would like to remind the motoring public to keep both eyes on the road at all times as well as reminding our pedestrian traffic to do the same.”