TRENTON – Officials are encouraging motorists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists all over the state to participate in a one-day national safety campaign to raise awareness of the more than 35,000 lives lost each year in motor vehicle-related crashes nationwide.
On October 10, “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day,” aims to reduce fatalities on one specific day in order to heighten consciousness about what people can do to reduce transportation fatalities and accidents on roadways.
In 2018, Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day was an absolute success, recording zero fatalities that day.
“New Jersey roadways are among the safest in the nation for vehicular travel in no small part because of initiatives like Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day that raise public awareness of traffic safety and promote ways to improve it,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “New Jersey is known for its ability to rally around important causes and we’ll be looking for that spirit of cooperation as we take part in this national safety campaign next week. If everyone traveling our roadways takes extra care to buckle up, observe speed limits, and pay attention while driving, biking, or walking on October 10, we will be well on our way to reaching our goal of keeping New Jersey roads fatality free.”
Participating law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey will be issuing press releases, proclamations, and setting up electronic traffic signs on roadways to engage the public and raise awareness of traffic safety.
In addition to promoting driver safety, this year’s Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day in New Jersey will also be promoting pedestrian safety to reduce the number of pedestrian-involved crashes and save lives.
The Division has provided nearly $1 million in pedestrian safety grants to law enforcement agencies statewide since the beginning of the 2019 fiscal year. These grants, ranging from nearly $10,000 to more than $50,000, are being used to fund pedestrian safety initiatives that include public outreach, educational and training programs, assignment of police officers or crossing guards at crosswalks and intersections, installation of signage, and other pedestrian safety measures.
[adrotate banner="278"]“In a state as densely populated and highly traveled as New Jersey, keeping pedestrians safe on our roadways is paramount. The Division works with public and private partners year round to promote pedestrian safety and reduce the risk of pedestrian-involved motor vehicle crashes,” said Eric Heitmann, Director of the Division Highway Traffic Safety. “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is an excellent opportunity to advance those efforts by reminding everyone that pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility and that motorists and pedestrians must be mindful one another to prevent crashes.”
The Division provides the following tips to promote pedestrian safety. For motorists:
- Stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
- Watch for pedestrians when turning right o red.
- Obey speed limits.
- Do not block or park in crosswalks.
- Keep your windshield clean for maximum visibility.
- Be alert for pedestrians at all times.
- Never pass a school bus when it is loading or unloading students.
For pedestrians:
- If there is no sidewalk available, walk as far off the roadway as possible on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
- When possible, cross at corners, within marked crosswalks where available.
- If crossing in other locations, yield the right of way to vehicles. Never cross from in-between parked cars.
- Obey traffic signals, especially “Walk/Don’t Walk.”
- Never assume a driver sees you. To ensure they do, make eye contact with drivers as they approach.
- Remain alert! Don’t assume that cars are going to stop.
- Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day and wear light-colored clothes, reflective materials, or use a flashlight at night.
- Stay sober. Walking while impaired greatly increases your chances of being struck by a vehicle.
