Berkeley Heights Police Department Helps Promote Annual "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day"

Motorists in New Jersey and throughout the nation are asked to join a day-long effort on October 10, 2011, 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 while driving.

To support this effort, the Berkeley Heights Police Department will be detailing patrol and traffic safety officers to areas within the township that historically provide for high numbers of motor vehicle accidents, speeding and aggressive driving;  for enforcement as well as to educate drivers through the use of informational handouts.

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 1940’s.

“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, Sgt. Robert Deitch said.  “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,” Sgt. Deitch added.

Additional information on the Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day” is available by logging on to www.brakesonfatalities.org.