Law enforcement agencies across Hunterdon and Somerset counties have launched a summer traffic enforcement campaign aimed at reducing serious crashes and roadway fatalities.
The “Summer Road to Zero” campaign began Memorial Day weekend and will continue through Labor Day, with police increasing patrols and enforcement efforts throughout the region.
Officials said the initiative will focus on speeding, aggressive driving, impaired driving, distracted driving, intersection violations and pedestrian right-of-way offenses, all of which are among the leading contributors to serious crashes.
“Safety on our roadways requires a combination of smart enforcement, public education, and individual accountability,” said Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald. “We are asking all drivers to partner with us in this ‘Road to Zero’ campaign by slowing down, obeying all traffic laws, and keeping their full attention on the road. Our goal is for every person to arrive at their destination safely.”
During the campaign, motorists can expect an increased presence of marked and unmarked patrol vehicles at high-crash intersections and other traffic safety hotspots. Authorities said officers will take a zero-tolerance approach toward violations that pose the greatest risk to public safety.
The initiative is part of a broader effort supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Safety Council and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. The program is designed to reduce traffic-related deaths and serious injuries through enforcement, education and safer driving practices.
Officials noted that crash rates in the Hunterdon-Somerset region have increased in recent years following a decline between 2019 and 2020. Law enforcement leaders said dangerous driving behaviors continue to be a major factor in many crashes.
Authorities are also encouraging pedestrians and bicyclists to follow traffic laws, use designated crossing areas when available and remain alert when sharing roadways with vehicles.
According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicle crashes cost society an estimated $559.3 billion annually.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the campaign said they remain committed to reducing preventable crashes and making zero roadway fatalities an achievable goal through enforcement, education and community cooperation.
