Drivers Asked to Slow Down, Follow Laws to Prevent Deaths

Westwood and Washington Township police departments are both bringing attention to driver safety with the recognition of Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day, which is Monday this year.

The nationwide initiative, which is meant to raise awareness about deaths on the roadways, aims to decrease the number of fatalities to zero on Oct. 10. To support the effort, two Westwood police officers will be targeting enforcement of traffic laws Monday.

"Clearly, this effort will go a long way in our continuing efforts to stem the tide of tragedies that occur every day on New Jersey's roadways,” Westwood Police Chief Frank Regino said. "Shining the spotlight on this one day can help create a groundswell of support for good driving behaviors that can carry over throughout the year."

In 2010, 556 people died in motor vehicle related crashes in the state, which was down from 583 in 2009. There has been a four-year downward trend in vehicle fatalities in New Jersey, with deaths now the lowest recorded since the 1940s.

"Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day not only raises awareness about the individual responsibility we have for our driving behaviors, but also engages drivers in making positive changes behind the wheel every day of the year," Regino said.