Crash Reduction Initiative – STOP is Underway
Fatal crashes are up over 27% statewide in the first four months of the year. Central New Jersey leads the State in fatal crash with Middlesex and Monmouth Counties seeing the most deaths. South Brunswick Mayor Charlie Carley said, “Too many lives are being lost and we must put the resources and manpower to address it. I have directed the chief to coordinate with surrounding communities and State authorities to address the rise in fatal crashes.” Chief Raymond Hayducka said he has implemented an immediate crash reduction plan called STOP – Stopping, Traffic, Obstacle, Problems. These problems include speeding, running red lights, and driver inattention. Right now the data is showing that Route 1 is a major contributor to the crashes, not just in South Brunswick. There are three components to any traffic safety plan – awareness, education, and enforcement. We are taking an aggressive approach with adding additional officers specifically targeting areas of concern.”
To increase awareness, the South Brunswick Police Traffic Safety Bureau reviewed all fatal crashes in the Township in the past two years. The study identified the contributing factors that led to the crashes. Here is what was identified –
31% SPEED
25% FAILURE TO STOP AT RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN
19% DWI
19% DISTRACTED DRIVING
19% NOT WEARING A SEATBELT
13% UNSAFE LANE CHANGE
6% RECKLESS DRIVING
6% DRIVER FATIGUE / MEDICAL
In many of the cases, there was more than one contributing factor. Traffic Safety Lieutenant Gary Holsten said, “These deaths are preventable, but drivers need to take action. Simply wearing a seatbelt or stopping at a red light can make all the difference.” He added, “In South Brunswick, there are 7 miles of Route 1 with 12 intersections with traffic signals, drivers must follow the traffic signal. We are going to focus on intersections, distracted driving, and speed. This is your warning. Our efforts will keep ramping up in the coming days and weeks.”
