Police Mark Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day

Parsippany Police are behind an effort to get through this Wednesday with no traffic deaths.

It's Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day, a national day-long effort Wednesday designed to increase awareness about safe driving behaviors.

The national initiative was 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.

Last year in New Jersey, 627 individuals lost their lives in motor vehicle-related crashes, up from 556 in 2010.  Although nationally there is a downward trend in motor vehicle fatalities in 2011 in New Jersey fatalities increased over 2010 by 71 deaths.

"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," said Gary Poedubicky, acting director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. "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."

"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," Poedubicky added. 

Additional information on Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is available by at www.brakesonfatalities.org .