'Goal: Zero' Putting Route 70 Drivers Under Scrutiny In Ocean County

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — Drivers on Route 70 in Ocean County can expect to see more police for the afternoon commute Thursday as law enforcement in five towns will be taking part in a countywide traffic enforcement detail.

Goal: Zero, the countywide detail, is slated for 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and is the first of what will be an ongoing enforcement effort through September, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

The enforcement detail on Thursday will be focused on Route 70 from Manchester to Brick, with police in those towns plus Lakehurst, Toms River and Lakewood taking part, Billhimer said.

It comes in response to a spike in crash fatalities across New Jersey, the prosecutor's office said. There have been 103 fatal crashes in New Jersey as of March 27, with 109 deaths, according to New Jersey State Police statistics.

In Ocean County there have been 13 fatal crashes with 15 people killed since the start of 2025. That number is up from 11 fatal crashes with 11 deaths over the same time in 2024, according to state police.

"We are committed to holding reckless drivers accountable and enforcing traffic laws to reduce crashes," Billhimer said. "Every decision behind the wheel matters — speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving puts lives at risk."

"Ensuring highway safety is a shared responsibility. Traffic crashes are preventable, and this initiative is about saving lives through enforcement, education, and community engagement," he said.

"Goal: Zero traffic details will be held on the last Thursday of every month from March through September," Billhimer said.

The bright green color of the Goal: Zero logo represents high visibility and is the color for pedestrian and school safety. The black bar is a mourning band for all lives lost in traffic crashes.