Franklin police trying to put brakes on fatalities

FRANKLIN — Motorists in New Jersey and throughout the nation are asked to join a day long effort on Oct. 10, designed to increase awareness about safe driving behaviors and patterns and to keep New Jersey’s roadways fatality free for one day.

Known as “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day”, 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 for every ride; driving the posted speed limit, avoiding distractions while driving, and always being safe and sober behind the wheel.

Our goal is to experience a day when all roadway users are extra vigilant and there are no fatalities on New Jersey roadways.

“To support this effort, the Franklin Borough Police Department will be vigilant in recognizing erratic driving and enforcing motor vehicle laws within the borough limits,” Franklin Borough Police Sgt. Seamus Geddis said.

Last year in New Jersey, 542 individuals lost their lives in motor vehicle related accidents, which was down from 5,889 in 2012. The decline continues on a downward trend in motor vehicle fatalities, and in 2013, New Jersey recorded the lowest number of motor vehicle fatalities since the 1940s.

“Clearly this effort will go a long way in our continuing efforts to stem the tide of motor vehicle related tragedies that occur on a daily basis on the roadways in New Jersey,” Geddis said. “Shining the spotlight on this day in particular can hopefully create a support for good driving habits and behaviors that will carry throughout the year."

If any additional information is needed for this event, it is available by logging on to www.brakesonfatalities.org.