"Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day" October 10, 2015

The Bergenfield Police Department will be participating in the "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day."  See the article and links below for more information.

www.brakesonfatalities.org                                            www.njsaferoads.com                                      

IMAGINE A DAY WITH ZERO TRAFFIC FATALITIES.

BERGENFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES THE FIFTEENTH ANNUAL

"PUT THE BRAKES ON FATALITIES DAY"

October 10, 2015

Bergenfield, New Jersey An early report (June 2015) released by the National Highway and Transportation Administration (NHTSA) indicated there were 32,719 traffic fatalities in 2014. That's about 90 fatalities every single day - one fatality every 16 minutes. Imagine a day with zero traffic deaths where all drivers make a special effort to “Put the Brakes on Fatalities!” "It's time to begin one day with zero deaths and strive for every day thereafter," said Lt. Jerry Stapleton.

The fifteenth annual Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day will be celebrated on October 10, 2015 by

promoting the theme “Don’t be Driven to Distraction-Drive to Arrive” in Bergenfield, NJ to encourage the

public to reduce driver distractions so they and their loved ones do not become one of those statistics.

             The goal is to unite the country in achieving one full day of zero traffic deaths by encouraging safer behavior and actions, promoting safer roadways and vehicles, and creating improved ways to handle medical emergencies and enforcement of traffic regulations. "Motor vehicle fatalities are the leading cause of death for children ages 4 and every age 16 through 24. Whether as a driver, passenger,

pedestrian, motorcyclist, cyclist or professional, by working together, we can make a difference by

reducing to zero the number of fatalities occurring on our nation's roads," said Lt. Stapleton.

The good news is that by taking pro-active steps, the public can greatly reduce the odds of becoming statistic. "First and foremost, we must be attentive when we drive." Lt. Stapleton said. "Eliminating distractions such as text messing and talking on a cell phone, never driving when drowsy, always driving defensively and obeying the posted speed limits, sharing the road with other vehicles like motorcycles, bicycles, and trucks, slowing down in bad weather and in construction and school zones, and not drinking while driving are just a few examples of how drivers can reduce their chances of being in a crash.

Other important safety practices include buckling up immediately upon entering a vehicle or every time you begin a trip, using appropriate child safety seats, wearing a helmet when bicycling, motorcycling, or skating, and crossing the street in crosswalks,” Lt. Stapleton  noted.

October was selected for the Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day observance because it is among the peak months for traffic fatalities. In fact since 1995 on October 9th, 1999 the most dangerous day of the year to be on the road occurred when 207 people died in traffic crashes (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - NHTSA).

For more information, go to the Put The Brakes On Fatalities Day Web site at www.brakesonfatalities.org