AroUnD the JerSeY Shore State Officials Targeting Speeding

By Alyssa Riccardi

NEW JERSEY – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have joined together to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding.

Starting July 31, law enforcement will intensify their efforts to enforce speed limits on roads throughout New Jersey. The campaign will increase awareness about the dangers of speeding and the legal consequences of traveling over the speed limit.

According to officials, fatalities associated with speeding have risen nationally by 17 percent in recent years. In 2021, speeding killed 178 people in New Jersey, which accounted for 26 percent of all crash fatalities in the state that year.

Young drivers and motorcyclists are especially prone to high-speed crashes, and represent the largest demographic involved in speeding-related vehicle crashes. In 2021, 34 percent of all drivers involved in fatal speeding crashes were between 17 and 26 years of age, 79 percent were male and 21 percent were female drivers.

In order to combat the increasing problem, law enforcement agencies have amplified their efforts to enforce speed limits and hold those who ignore them accountable.

“Speed kills – it is that simple. We know that more than a quarter of crash fatalities in New Jersey are related to speeding, and that raises real concerns for public safety,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to keeping our roadways safe by stepping up enforcement against dangerous and reckless speeding behavior across the state.”

The consequences of speeding: drivers will suffer penalties including fi nes ranging from $50 to $200, suspension of driving privileges, and the accumulation of points on their driving record. If a driver faces a serious crash or loss of life due to speeding, they may face the possibility of imprisonment.

“Several HTS initiatives are currently underway to promote safety and reduce speeding on the roads. These include ongoing safety messaging and public awareness campaigns through broadcast media and web-based traffic and weather reports, focusing on speeding and other traffic safety related issues. And to assist law enforcement with enforcement efforts, 55 yearlong, sustained enforcement grants totaling $2.5 million have been allocated to local, county, and state police agencies in 2023. These grants will target speed violations, as well as unbelted motorists and driver distraction,” according to a press release.

“When you exceed the legal speed limit, you not only jeopardize your own life but also the lives of innocent people sharing the road with you,” said Michael J. Rizol Jr., Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Every innocent pedestrian, every responsible driver, every loving family, all trust you to make the right choice and abide by the rules of the road. Do not betray their trust.”

For more information, visit njsaferoads.com.

Prosecutor’s Office

Teaches Students Internet Safety

By Alyssa Riccardi

OCEAN COUNTY – Staff at the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office (OCPO) spoke with over 20,000 students in Ocean County on bullying, internet safety and the dangers of social media.

During the 2022-2023 school year, more than 30 OCPO staff visited 70 schools and delivered 145 multi-media presentations to students in grade schools, intermediate schools, and high schools throughout the County.

“I am thankful to all of our staff for taking the time speak to our youth. We had assistant prosecutors, detectives, victim witness advocates, agents and clerical staff here in our office volunteer to be a part of this presentation program. We received positive feedback from students, teachers and administrators regarding the presentations – and we are looking forward to doing it again next year,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D.

Billhimer said.

The presentations incorporated information on the dangers of social media, bullying and cyberbullying, explaining the importance of students exercising good judgment in their interaction with one another, online and in school.

In addition, the presentations included three Challenge Day Programs, which were held at Barnegat Township High School, Toms River High School North, and Lacey Township High School.

Sponsored by the OCPC, Challenge Day consisted of 100 students, school staff members, and adult volunteers from the community for a full day of exercises and dialogue about bullying, harassment, confl ict management, and other important issues effecting students.

The program was designed to “unite students, and empower them to carry out the program’s objectives throughout the school year and beyond.”