West Orange to 'Put the Brakes On Fatalities'

West Orange Police are promoting the nation day-long effort next week to increase awareness about safe driving behaviors and keep the State’s roadways fatality free for one-day.

“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,” West Orange Police Chief James P. Abbott 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.”

The program, Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day, set for Oct. 10 is a national initiative designed to unite the country in moving toward zero fatalities for one full day by encouraging motorists to obey all traffic laws, including buckling up, every ride; driving the posted speed limit; avoiding distractions while driving; and always being safe and sober behind the wheel.

New Jersey has participated in this program for the last three year without any fatalities. Through the vigilance of all roadway users, the township and state wish to accomplish this feat for the third consecutive year.

“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,” West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi added.

Last year in New Jersey, 589 individuals lost their lives in motor vehicle-related crashes, down from 627 in 2011.  The decline continues a downward trend in motor vehicle fatalities, highlighted by 2010 which had the lowest number of recorded motor vehicle deaths in the State since the 1940s.