New 'See Something, Say Something' Campaign Aims to Boost Highway Safety Across Morris County and New Jersey

Joint Initiative by NJOHSP, NJDOT, and Turnpike Authority Uses Variable Message Signs to Promote Public Vigilance from September to February

Morristown, NJ - The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP), in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, has rolled out a "See Something, Say Something" public safety campaign. The initiative employs nearly 200 Variable Message Signs across key routes including the New Jersey Turnpike, I-78, I-195, I-280, and Route 440, aimed at encouraging drivers to report suspicious activities.

The Essentials:

• Who: New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, New Jersey Department of Transportation, and New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
• What: "See Something, Say Something" highway safety campaign.
• When: September 1, 2023, to February 17, 2024.
• Where: Variable Message Signs on New Jersey Turnpike, I-78, I-195, I-280, and Route 440.
• Why: To heighten public awareness and reporting of suspicious activity to enhance safety.
• How: Utilizing nearly 200 Variable Message Signs to disseminate the message during rush hours seven days a week.

“The public is one of our first and best lines of defense in the fight against terrorism. Our ‘See Something, Say Something’ initiative bolsters the State’s security efforts and plays a key role in helping to identify threats and to prevent attacks,” stated NJOHSP Director Laurie Doran.

Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, NJDOT Commissioner and NJ Turnpike Authority Chair, also emphasized the communal responsibility for safety, saying, “Safety and security are everyone’s responsibility. Using Variable Message Signs will help remind millions of motorists to be vigilant when driving through our State.”

The campaign aligns with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s national "If You See Something, Say Something®" Awareness Day on September 25. NJTA Executive Director James Carone said, “The nearly 700,000 drivers who use the Turnpike on an average day have an important role to play in protecting public safety. These signs encourage them to speak up if they see suspicious activity.”

Moreover, these safety messages will be prominently featured on the 511nj.org website, specifically under the "Severity Alert" section and as a widget in the "Safety Message" section.

For those who observe any suspicious activity, immediate reporting should be made to local law enforcement or to NJOHSP’s Counterterrorism Watch Desk by calling 866-4-SAFE-NJ or emailing tips@njohsp.gov.

This campaign serves as an instrumental addition to the state's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors as they traverse the highways for various reasons, including vacation and holiday shopping. It enlists the public in the essential task of maintaining a secure environment for all.