New Jersey Launches Campaign to Combat Excessive Speeding and Increase Roadway Safety

In collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, New Jersey aims to reduce speeding-related fatalities through increased enforcement and public awareness.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are collaborating with law enforcement agencies nationwide to highlight the risks of speeding and promote safe driving practices.

From this week until July 31, law enforcement will ramp up their enforcement of speed limits throughout New Jersey. This campaign responds to a recent 17% national increase in speeding-related fatalities and aims to increase public awareness of the dangers and legal repercussions of exceeding speed limits. Drivers should expect to receive a ticket if caught speeding.

In 2021, speeding was responsible for 178 deaths in New Jersey, accounting for 26% of all crash fatalities in the state. Young drivers and motorcyclists, particularly males between the ages of 17 and 26, are the demographic most frequently involved in high-speed crashes. As speeding threatens the safety of all road users, law enforcement agencies are heightening their efforts to enforce speed limits and hold violators 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.”

Speeding makes it harder for drivers to maneuver around obstacles, lengthens stopping distances, and increases the risk of collisions as it makes it difficult for other road users to accurately judge distances and respond accordingly.

Speeding has significant personal, societal, and legal consequences, including fines between $50 and $200, suspension of driving privileges, points on driving records, and potential jail time for severe incidents. Drivers also face financial burdens such as increased insurance premiums, which can persist for years.

The HTS is currently promoting safety and reducing speeding through several initiatives, including public awareness campaigns and traffic and weather reports. The agency has allocated 55 yearlong enforcement grants, totaling $2.5 million, to local, county, and state police agencies in 2023 to target speed violations, unbelted motorists, and driver distractions.

HTS Director Michael J. Rizol Jr. warns, "When you exceed the legal speed limit, you not only endanger your own life but also those of innocent people sharing the road with you."

All drivers are urged to understand the gravity of these consequences and make responsible decisions on the road. By obeying speed limits and prioritizing safety, they can protect their own lives and contribute to their community's well-being.

For more information, visit https://www.njsaferoads.com.