SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Law enforcement agencies in Somerset and Hunterdon counties are launching a summer traffic safety campaign that will bring more patrols to local roads from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The "Summer Road to Zero" effort will target driving behaviors that officials say contribute to serious crashes and fatalities, including speeding, aggressive driving, impaired driving, distracted driving, and violations involving intersections and pedestrian right-of-way laws.
During the initiative, drivers can expect an increased presence of marked and unmarked patrol units at high-collision intersections and other traffic safety hotspots.
According to the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office(SCPO), officers will use a zero-tolerance approach toward violations that pose the greatest risk to life and property.
"Safety on our roadways requires a combination of smart enforcement, public education, and individual accountability," said Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald. "We are asking all drivers to partner with us in this ‘Road to Zero’ campaign by slowing down, obeying all traffic laws, and keeping their full attention on the road. Our goal is for every person to arrive at their destination safely."
The local enforcement effort is part of a broader, evidence-based Safe System Approach supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Safety Council, and the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
The initiative is intended to help reverse recent increases in motor vehicle crashes, serious injuries and fatalities by promoting safer roadways and safer driving behaviors.
According to the SCPO, crash rates in the Hunterdon and Somerset County region dropped between 2019 and 2020, then steadily increased afterward.
Risky and dangerous driving behaviors remain a significant contributing factor.
Roadway safety depends on the actions of more than drivers alone, noting that pedestrians, bicyclists and other roadway users also have responsibilities, including using designated crossing locations when possible, staying alert to traffic and not assuming drivers will stop.
The National Safety Council estimates that motor vehicle crashes cost society about $559.3 billion annually.
The summer campaign is meant to reduce preventable crashes, save lives and move the region closer to zero roadway fatalities.
More information about safe driving practices and the broader Road to Zero initiative is available through the National Safety Council.
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