'Operation Safe Summer': Traffic Safety Initiative Launched In South Brunswick

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — In response to a recent increase in serious motor vehicle crashes throughout the region and the anticipated surge in travel associated with major events across New Jersey, the South Brunswick Police Department is launching "Operation Safe Summer."

This high-visibility traffic enforcement initiative is aimed at improving roadway safety, police said.

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With increased traffic expected from summer vacations, FIFA-related activities, and New Jersey's upcoming 250th Anniversary celebrations, police officials are urging motorists to make safe driving a priority.

“We expect increased travel with all the events going on in our state, from FIFA and 250 celebrations to summer travel,” Deputy Chief James Ryan said. “We need all motorists to partner with us to improve safety on our roadways."

Ryan went on to say that the department is making driver safety a priority by putting a surge of officers on enforcement on Tuesday.

According to police, the department will have 43 officers on patrol during those 24 hours, cracking down on careless driving, impaired driving, speeding, improper use of the shoulder, red light violations, and other violations that lead to crashes.

"Every officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain working will be focused on traffic enforcement," Ryan said.

The department's enforcement effort will focus on the most common contributing factors associated with serious and fatal crashes, including:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Careless and aggressive driving
• Red light violations
• Improper use of roadway shoulders
• Failure to obey traffic laws

As of Tuesday afternoon, Ryan said 133 motor vehicle stops have been conducted, and there has been one arrest.

Violations have included:

• Failure to obey traffic signal
• Using a cellphone while driving
• Speeding (three drivers have been over 80 MPH in a 55 MPH zone)
• Unregistered vehicles (multiple)
• Unlicensed drivers (one driver's license expired five years ago)
• Using the hard shoulder when not authorized
• Careless driving

Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading public safety concerns nationwide.

According to traffic safety data, motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in both the United States and New Jersey.

The South Brunswick Police Department is encouraging all motorists to slow down, eliminate distractions, wear seat belts, obey traffic signals, and never drive while impaired.

Through a combination of education, enforcement, and community partnership, the department hopes to reduce crashes and ensure safe travel throughout the summer months.

"Our goal is simple," Ryan said. "We want everyone to arrive safely at their destination and return home to their families."

For additional information about traffic safety initiatives in South Brunswick, you can reach out to the South Brunswick Police Department.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated with additional information on the traffic safety initiative from South Brunswick Police.