This day-long effort on Oct. 10 is focused on increasing awareness about safe driving.
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.
To support this effort, Cherry Hill Police will increase their patrols performing detection and enforcement of aggressive driving, impaired and distracted driving, and other safety-related offenses contributing to traffic crashes and injuries.
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; although this number decreased, it still represents 27.3 percent 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.
Additional information on the Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is available by visiting www.brakesonfatalities.org.