Motorists in New Jersey and throughout the nation are asked to join a day-long effort tomorrow, October 10, 2011, designed to increase awareness about safe driving behaviors and keep the state’s roadways fatality free for one day. Put The Brakes On Fatalities Day is a national initiative designed to unite the country in moving toward zero fatalities for one full day by encouraging motorists to obey all traffic laws, buckle up on every ride; drive the posted speed limit; avoid distractions while driving; and be safe and sober behind the wheel.
Last year in New Jersey, 556 individuals lost their lives in motor vehicle-related crashes, down from 583 in 2009. The decline continues a four-year downward trend in motor vehicle fatalities and marks the lowest number of recorded motor vehicle deaths in the state since the 1940s. However, 2011 year-to-date state fatality statistics are more dismal in contrast. As of October 2, 2011, 445 individuals lost their lives in motor vehicle related crashes, up from 418 during that same time in 2010.
“The current fatality statistics should serve as a sobering reminder that some drivers in the state of New Jersey still continue to exhibit unsafe driving habits,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Important initiatives like Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day will undoubtedly raise driver awareness and encourage a change from dangerous driver behaviors that contribute to fatal motor vehicle accidents. Only by changing dangerous and irresponsible driving behavior can New Jersey reach the ultimate goal of a fatality free year.” TLS.
LPD will be taking part of this Statewide operation by placing extra patrols out on the roads during peak traffic hours for enforcement.
Please drive safely.
It’s embarrassing. Lakewood should lead the example in safe driving, and yet we have the highest rate of traffic accidents and fatalities of all towns in Ocean County.
There are a number of driving practices that are especially prevalent in this town. If they were under control, we would surely see a drop in accidents/injuries/deaths.
1. DO NOT DRIVE ON THE SHOULDER. It is illegal to drive/pass on the right shoulder, with 4 points on your license. This means that if the car in front of you is waiting to turn left, you cannot drive around him on the shoulder, no matter how long you have to wait. The shoulder is for pedestrians, cyclists, emergency vehicles and disabled vehicles.
2. Do not slam on your brakes and stop in the middle of the road to pickup or drop off hitch hikers. If you are going to break the law by giving someone a lift, do it in a safe location, off the main roads.
3. You will get no Zchar for a Minyan if you drive like a lunatic, speed, run stop signs in the name of getting to shul on time. Ask your Rov and he will concur.
4. Do not talk or text while driving. Firstly, its against the law, secondly, it increases your chances of an accident ten fold. Put the phone down! If its so urgent, pull into a parking lot to make your call.
5. PLEASE put your child in an age appropriate car seat. A paramedic once asked me why people in lakewood always seem to drive around with kids bouncing around the back of cars. Sometimes, parents can be seen holding infants in the front seat! I did not have an answer for him, do you?
I think Lakewood needs a ‘Put The Brakes On Fatalities WEEK’. A day won’t do.
never in lakewood
maybe lakewood should have some more patroling before all this !
catch the real crooks first then worry about the non crooks !
Maybe the police should give everyone tickets who deserve them for breaking the traffic and pedestrian laws and not be selective.
Everyone feels the same about the above comment, but anyone who has spend 5 minutes in traffic court knows that there are certain types of illegals who don’t know how to drive safely and who also don’t pay tickets/fines. At least in my experience, they are judged more lieniently in court than a person who shows up in a suit and tie. I would imagine that a police officer knows he has a better chance of making the town some money stopping a suit and tie guy rather than an illegal. I’m not saying its right, but those facts are not going to change.
i cant reply because i’m laughing too hard
They should also give tickets to township employees who break the law
#7 sadly you are right.. law enforcement and govt know they are less likely to pay and show up, so why bother to ticket them?
its like the new DREAM act in california. If you come here ilegally, you immediately get in state tuition at state colleges, AND tax funded financial aid…
legal citizen? must live in CA 4 years before you can get in state tuition!
Some are now suggesting that legal citizens of CA start keeping cars on their front lawn and purposely using fake ID’s, so they can immediately get in state tuition breaks, and free emergency room medical care!
One of my Kabbolas before R’H was not to J walk anymore.