---

The Asbury Park Police Department and the Allenhurst Police Department have announced they will participate in the national Put The Breaks Fatalities Day being held on Oct 10.

The national campaign asks motorist, cyclists and pedestrians to be particularly mindful in an aim to keep roadways free from fatalities for the day, and to increase safe driving awareness and behavior.

“It is 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,” police officials said in a written statement.

Allenhurst Police Department officials said they will be extra vigilant on that day for speeding, careless, and cell phone violations, as well as those who may be driving under the influence or driving while impaired.

Last year, 603 died in motor vehicle-related crashes across the state, up from 562 in 2015, officials said.

“Distracted driving fatalities have increased at an alarming rate over the last 4 years,” Allenhurst officials said in a written statement.

In 2013 there were 58 reported fatalities on the State roadways where distracted driving played a contributing factor. That number ballooned to 115 fatalities in 2016, contributing to 19 percent of all traffic deaths.

To help battle the growing problem, the State’s #77 alert system is used to report all forms of dangerous driving.

Law enforcement agencies across the state will run awareness campaigns during the week of October 3rd ending with the Brakes on Fatalities Day.

“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,” Allenhurst Police Chief Michael Schneider 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.”

For more information about the national campaign, click here.

—————————————————————————————————-

Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

---