Traffic fatalities across the state are trending towards a record high, law enforcement warns.
Egg Harbor Township has seen 11 fatal crashes this year so far, Police Chief Fred Spano noted.
"This is just so unfortunate, unacceptable and preventable," he said.
A video put out by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police notes that the rise in traffic fatalities corresponded with a lessening of traffic enforcement that took place during the COVID pandemic in 2020.
There were 558 traffic fatalities in 2019, with the number rising to 587 in 2020. In 2021, fatalities hit a 15-year high of 697, which was the largest year-to-year increase in more than 50 years.
"Traffic enforcement is a proven method to reduce traffic crashes and change driving behavior," Spano said. "It’s not the only answer. We all must make a conscious effort, each and everyone of us, to change our behavior when driving a motor vehicle."
The chief asked for drivers to be more vigilant this holiday season and beyond, and work with law enforcement "by eliminating distractions, slowing down, stopping at intersections and be done with impaired driving."
The breakdown for the top four contributing factors in fatal crashes for 2023.Impaired driving is often the number one cause of traffic fatalities, contributing to a third of last year's road fatalities.
"Next time you enter your car, make that conscious effort to put your phone down, (and) be mindful of your speed and surroundings, so that we can all reduce traffic crashes and prevent fatalities," Spano said.
He also urged everyone to view the state association's video.
"It’s an impactful and critical message to all of us, including law enforcement officers," he said.
