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Trenton
– Attorney General Paula T. Dow, joined
by members of the state and local police
and traffic safety communities, today announced
a variety of public awareness and enforcement
efforts designed to ensure the safety of
all who travel New Jersey’s roadways
this Summer.
“The
101 Days of Summer, from Memorial Day to
Labor Day weekend, mark one of the busiest
and most dangerous travel times of the year,”
Attorney General Dow said. “Whether
you’re heading to the shore, or the
mountains, today we’re reminding all
motorists about the life-saving importance
of good driving behaviors. That means following
the posted speed limit and signs, never
texting or using a hand-held cell phone
while driving, and remaining courteous and
alert to those who share the road with you,
including pedestrians, bike riders and motorcyclists.”
According
to Division of Highway Traffic Safety Acting
Director Gary Poedubicky, “the summer
season brings additional traffic to our
roads and highways. Safe driving practices
are the best way to deal with this increase.
Always drive at a safe speed, try to remain
calm behind the wheel, don’t tailgate,
and never drink and drive.”
"Being
safe and sober applies to every form of
transportation in New Jersey. Whether people
are driving, boating, biking, or even walking
across intersections, they need to pay attention
and avoid distractions," said Colonel
Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New
Jersey State Police. "Our troopers
will work vigilantly to keep Summer in our
state as a season for responsible fun."
Attorney
General Dow also stressed the importance
of always buckling up, every ride, explaining
that motor vehicle occupants who use a seat
belt increase their chances of surviving
a crash by as much as 75 percent.
“Buckling
up is one of the most effective ways for
motorists and passengers to stay safe in
a vehicle,” Dow added. “Whether
you’re in the front or rear seat,
all motor vehicle occupants must buckle
up. It’s the law, and it saves lives
everyday.”
To
spotlight this life-saving message, the
annual Click It or Ticket campaign is currently
underway this week through June 5 nationwide.
This year the effort will again highlight
nighttime belt use, as well as the importance
of buckling up in the rear seat of a vehicle.
Under the 2011 program, 142 police agencies
will receive federal grants of $4,000 each
from the Division of Highway Traffic to
run the program, which includes checkpoints
and roving patrols. The State Police will
also participate in this initiative. In
place since 1999, the national program also
includes a public awareness and education
campaign.
Last
year, the front seat belt usage rate in
New Jersey rose for the 14th consecutive
year to 93.73%. New Jersey law enforcement
and traffic safety officials want to ultimately
see a 100 percent compliance rate. “New
Jersey has a strong front seat belt usage
rate, but there is still work to do,”
Division of Highway Traffic Safety Acting
Director Poedubicky explained. “To
meet our goal, we must continue both enforcement
and public outreach efforts that educate
all motor vehicle occupants about the importance
of buckling up, every ride.”
In
addition to encouraging motorists and passengers
to buckle up, officials discussed efforts
to combat drunk and drugged driving, as
well as motorcycle safety, distracted driving,
and work zone safety.
“The
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission wants
to do its part to ensure that all New Jerseyans
and visitors to our State remain safe on
our roadways during the summer months, while
enjoying all that our State has to offer,”
said Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator
Raymond P. Martinez. "As motorists
travel on our roadways, it is important
to remember that with the warmer weather
comes more complicated driving situations.
Drivers need to be mindful of the many motorcycle
riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians we share
the road with each day. As the 101 Days
of Summer begin, I encourage all motorists
to be vigilant while behind the wheel, free
from distractions, and above all to drive
safely.”
The
Motor Vehicle Commission, with the use of
dedicated federal funding, has developed
a comprehensive traffic safety public awareness
and education campaign in order to heighten
consciousness about motorcycle safety. Residents
can expect to encounter motorcycle safety
messages on You Tube, TV stations, radio,
buses, toll booth ads, virtual message signs
(VMS) on our highways and on several websites.
By encouraging everyone to “Share
the Road,” not drink and drive, have
motorcyclists wear protective riding gear
and take riding courses, the MVC hopes to
help lower the number of traffic-related
fatalities to zero.
"New
Jersey is a great place to be year 'round,
but especially in the summer," said
NJDOT Commissioner James Simpson. "Our
terrific recreational and entertainment
destinations create heavy travel demands
on our roadways and public transportation
systems, so it is especially important to
exercise caution and follow the rules of
the road whether you're driving, bicycling,
walking or jogging. Everyone can help make
this a safe, sensational summer in the Garden
State."
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