Motorists in New Jersey and throughout the nation are asked to join a day-long effort on October 10 designed to increase awareness about safe driving behaviors and keeping 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, the Ocean City Police Department will be enforcing all laws related to distracted driving and unsafe vehicle operations.
Last year in New Jersey, 556 individuals lost their lives in motor vehicle-related crashes, up from 542 in 2013. Pedestrian fatalities increased from 129 in 2013 to 170 in 2014. Our average pedestrian fatalities run from 139 in 2010 to 170 in 2014. The 2014 numbers represent 31 percent of all crashes while nationally pedestrian fatalities are at 14 percent.
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. 4, ending with "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day" on Oct. 10.
"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," Chief Chad Callahan said. "Shining the spotlight on this one day can help create a groundswell of support for good driving behaviors that can cany 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," Chief Callahan added.
Additional information on the "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day" is available by logging on to
www.brakesonfatalities.org .
— News release from the Ocean City Police Department
Motorists in New Jersey and throughout the nation are asked to join a day-long effort on October 10 designed to increase awareness about safe driving behaviors and keeping the state's roadways fatality-free for one day.
Known as "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day," 
