Aberdeen Declares Wednesday as 'Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day'

Imagine one full day in America without a fatal car accident. 

That's the goal of "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day," a national initiative designed to encourage motorists to obey all traffic laws in hopes of having an entire day with zero fatalities.

The Aberdeen Township Police Department will participate in the national effort on Wednesday, Oct. 10 and is asking all local drivers to pitch in by remembering to buckle up every ride; driving the posted speed limit; avoiding distractions while driving; and always being safe and sober behind the wheel.

“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,” Chief John Powers 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.”

Last year in New Jersey, 627 people 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 New Jersey fatalities increased by 71 deaths from 2010 to 2011.

“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,” Powers said.

The Aberdeen Township Council made a proclamation at their Oct. 2 meeting, also marking the importance of safe driving to help save lives. 

"Across the nation, traffic crashed caused 32,000 fatalities in 2011 and are the leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 19," read Mayor Fred Tagliarini, officially proclaiming Oct. 10 as "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day" in the township. 

Additional information on the “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day” is available online at www.brakesonfatalities.org.