Nikhil Badlani Foundation Continues To Impact Traffic Safety In NJ

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Nikhil Badlani Foundation continues to impact traffic safety and awareness in New Jersey as it expands its reach across the state.

In 2011, Sangeeta and Sunil Badlani lost their oldest son Nikhil in a tragic automobile crash caused by a reckless driver. In response, they formed the Nikhil Badlani Foundation to raise awareness of traffic safety, distracted driving, and other issues related to dangers on the road. In its 14-year history, NBF has accomplished significant changes:

• Instrumental in passing the nation's first Target Zero Commission law—Establishing a commission with 13 members from state agencies and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to collaborate on developing a comprehensive, data-driven action plan to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2040.
• Nikhil's Law was implemented through NJMVC in 2016 – Thousands have taken the STOP For Nikhil Safety Pledge to drive safely.
• Launched Families for Safe Streets NJ – Partnered with Tri-State Transportation Campaign to support families and victims of traffic crashes, providing services and a platform to channel grief into action.
• Educated 10,000 students across 39 NJ high schools – Through the innovative Drivers Ed Through Art program, which integrates social and emotional learning, students create traffic safety murals that are permanently displayed in their schools.
• Founded the Traffic Safety Youth Advisory Board at West Orange High School – Empowered students to make a difference in their communities, successfully advocating for a law requiring drivers under 21 to log 50 supervised practice hours (including 10 at night) before obtaining a probationary license. The program has expanded to Burlington City High School, and the goal is to expand it to all 21 counties in New Jersey.
• Awarded academic scholarships to 190 graduating seniors – Many recipients are first-generation college students.
• Provided music lessons to 170 need-based and special needs students - Partnered with Youth Orchestra of Essex County.

Sangeeta Badlani now works full-time with NBF and in advocacy efforts and has become an in-demand speaker. She was recognized by Gov. Phil Murphy during his 2025 State of the State Address on Jan. 14 for her tireless efforts to make NJ roads safer.

Murphy said, “In Nikhil’s honor, we must now enact policies that protect our children and make our transportation system safer and more reliable for everyone.”

On Jan. 13, Murphy signed A1476/S361 into law, establishing the Target Zero Commission: its goal to eliminate traffic deaths and injuries in New Jersey by 2040. The commission will consist of 13 members, including state officials from the Department of Transportation (DOT), State Police, along with the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, regional transportation officials, and others who will work together to make New Jersey’s roads safer for drivers and pedestrians.

After more than two years of advocacy, the NJ Target Zero Commission bill has become law, a milestone in the fight for safer roadways. Reflecting on this achievement, Sangeeta Badlani, Founder of the Nikhil Badlani Foundation, Families for Safe Streets NJ, and Co-Founder of the Vision Zero NJ Alliance, stated: "Knowing that my pain has been transformed into something that could save hundreds of lives fills me with a sense of hope. New Jersey is now at the forefront of safety policy in the United States. This statewide Commission and Action Plan won’t bring back the loved ones we’ve lost, but it does mark a crucial step toward a future where roadways are safer, and families are spared from enduring similar heartbreak."

“I don’t want to see any other families suffer the loss that we had to suffer when our son Nikhil was killed,” said Sunil Badlani, Founding Member of Nikhil Badlani Foundation and Families for Safe Streets NJ. “This Commission must develop an action plan to address the preventable loss of 600-700 New Jerseyans each year. Together, we must create a future where every journey is safe, and no life is needlessly lost on our roads.”

On March 17, students from the NBF Traffic Safety Youth Advisory Board testified in the New Jersey Senate in support of S-4146, which would require driver education and testing on responsibilities when approaching and passing pedestrians and persons operating bicycles and personal conveyances; requires driver's manual to include information on sharing roadway with motorists for certain road users.

The bill was passed unanimously by the Senate Transportation Committee, but the work will not stop. The NBF Traffic Safety Youth Advisory Board continues to advocate for stronger safety measures and education initiatives, empowering the next generation to be champions of road safety.

Badlani concluded, "We alone cannot make this change; we need the community to be part of the solution. We invite the community to join us in these efforts. Whether it’s supporting future legislation, amplifying our message, or attending upcoming events like the annual ‘STOP for Nikhil’ on September 21 at West Orange High School, every action brings us closer to a future with zero traffic fatalities. But true change starts with each of us. We urge all community members to be safer drivers—slow down, stay alert, and follow traffic laws. Together, we can create lasting change and ensure safer roads for everyone."

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