‘Stop for Nikhil’: Annual Traffic Awareness Event Returns For 2023

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The 13th annual STOP for Nikhil event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 24 in Suriano Stadium at West Orange High School.

According to a news release from organizers, the event helps to support the ongoing efforts of the Nikhil Badlani Foundation and their commitment to promoting traffic safety awareness, music education, and the provision of scholarships to graduating high school students.

The Nikhil Badlani Foundation was established in 2011 by Sangeeta and Sunil Badlani to honor the memory of their son Nikhil, who was killed in a crash caused by a distracted driver.

• See Related: Obituary: Nikhil Badlani, A Talented, Brilliant Student
• See Related: West Orange Boy Killed In Crash Would Have Graduated In 2017 (VIDEO)

Since then, the foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to promote traffic safety through art, education and legislation. Read More: West Orange Parents Mourn Son, 10 Years After Tragic Death

In August of 2015, “Nikhil’s Law,” which amends N.J.S.A. 39:3-41, was signed into law. Effective March 1, 2016, Nikhil’s Law reinforces the dangers of failing to comply with New Jersey’s motor vehicle traffic laws, and provides for new drivers to take the STOP for Nikhil Safety Pledge.

Further legislative efforts have continued through the foundation and the Nikhil Badlani Foundation Youth Advisory board. More than 31 schools have received traffic safety education, and West Orange High School has received two driving simulators. Graduating school seniors have received academic scholarships, and elementary school students have received music scholarships.

This year's event will be held in person and virtually. The schedule is as follows:

• Registration Start 7:30 AM
• Registration Close 8:15 AM
• 5K Bike Ride 8:15 AM
• Ceremony 8:45 AM
• 5K Run 9:30 AM
• 3K Walk 9:45 AM
• Kids Run 10:30 AM
• Award ceremony 11 AM

To register for the event or to make a donation, go HERE.

To find out more about the Nikhil Badlani Foundation, go HERE.

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