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

Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day focuses attention on reducing the 37,461 traffic fatalities that occurred in 2016 in the United States. The national initiative initiated 12 years ago 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, driving the posted speed limit, avoiding distractions while driving and always being safe and sober behind the wheel.

To support this effort, the Longport Police Department will join other Atlantic County law enforcement agencies to promote motor vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian safety by utilizing their variable message boards and conducting educational activities to raise public awareness.

Police in Longport, Margate, Ventnor, Egg Harbor Township, Somers Point, Hamilton and Galloway townships, and Linwood are participating in Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day, Oct. 10.

In 2016 New Jersey saw 604 individuals lose their lives in motor vehicle-related crashes, up from 562 in 2015.  Pedestrian fatalities decreased from 173 in 2015 to 165 in 2016.  Even though the number decreased, this number represents 27.3 percent of all crashes while nationally pedestrian fatalities are at 15 percent.

Additional information on the Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day see www.brakesonfatalities.org  or www.njsaferoads.com