Lower Township PD Will Celebrate "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day® on October 10
Thursday, September 27, 2018
Lower Township, NJ (September 26,2018)(CNBNewsnet)- A July 2018 report released by the National Highway and Transportation Administration (NHTSA) indicated there were 37,461 traffic fatalities in 2016. That is one fatality nearly every fourteen minutes. There is still much to be done to reduce the overall number of fatalities. Everyone needs to be engaged as we work toward the goal of a full day with zero deaths. A day we imagine where all drivers make a special effort to “Put the Brakes on Fatalities.” If we work together we can achieve our goal!
The eighteenth annual Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day will be celebrated on October 10th, 2018 by promoting the theme “Don’t be Driven to Distraction-Drive to Arrive” in Lower Township, NJ to encourage the public to reduce driver distractions so they and their loved ones do not become one of those statistics.
In support of Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day, Lower Township Police Chief William Mastriana has instructed the entire Lower Township Police Department to increase and enhance their distracted driving and vehicle safety enforcement for a 24 hour period in the entire Township of Lower on October 10th, 2018 in support of this campaign.
The goal is to unite the country in achieving one full day of zero traffic deaths by encouraging safer behavior and actions, promoting safer roadways and vehicles, and creating improved ways to handle medical emergencies and enforcement of traffic regulations. "Motor vehicle fatalities were the leading cause of death in 2015 for all Americans age 11, and every age 16 through 24 in 2014. Whether as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or pedalcyclist, by working together in a concerted effort, we can make a difference by reducing to zero the number of fatalities occurring on our nation's roads," said Captain Martin Biersbach.
The good news is that by taking proactive steps, the public can greatly reduce the odds of becoming a statistic. Sergeant First Class (SFC) Kevin Lewis stated, "First and foremost, we must be attentive when we drive." Lieutenant Donald Vanaman, Lower Township Patrol Bureau Commander advised that drivers should:
- Eliminate distractions such as text messing and talking on a cell phone
- Never drive when drowsy
- Always drive defensively and obey the posted speed limits
- Share the road with other vehicles like motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and trucks
- Slow down in bad weather as well as in construction and school zones
- Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or intoxicating drugs
These are just a few examples of how drivers can reduce their chances of being in a motor vehicle crash. Other important safety practices include: buckling up immediately upon entering a vehicle or every time you begin a trip; using appropriate child safety seats, wearing a helmet when bicycling, motorcycling, or skating; as well as utilizing crosswalks when crossing the street,” SFC Kevin Lewis noted.
October was selected for the Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day observance because it is among the peak months for traffic fatalities. In fact recently in 2014, October 25th was one of the most dangerous days of the year to be on the road when 153 people died in traffic crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Also in 2014, the safest day of this year was on February 6th when 46 individuals were fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.