Atlantic County has launched an initiative to reduce fatal crashes.
The County of Atlantic Reduction and Enforcement for Fatal Crashes task force — or CARE for Fatal Crashes — is a collaborative effort designed to reduce deadly traffic incidents through targeted enforcement and public education, the county Prosecutor's Office announced.
The first operation led to 111 motor vehicle stops and 71 summonses:
Public safety handouts focused on pedestrian safety also were distributed to all motels along Route 30, highlighting the dual focus of the CARE initiative: enforcement and education.
CARE's launch comes amid a rise in roadway fatalities. Atlantic County's 58 fatal crashes last year marked the highest number in a decade, and was the second most for traffic-related deaths in the state.
“We’re not just increasing patrols, we’re launching a coordinated plan to prevent loss of life,” said Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel, president of the Atlantic County Chiefs of Police Association. “CARE is about more than writing tickets. It’s about creating safer roadways through visibility, awareness and accountability.”
Officials emphasized that enforcement alone cannot address the scope of the issue.
“CARE is grounded in balance,” said county Chief of Detectives Patrick Snyder said. “Strong enforcement helps get dangerous drivers off the road, but lasting change comes when that enforcement is backed by education and community outreach. We need both.”
The CARE task force is supported by the Division of Highway Traffic Safety Atlantic-Cape May Region and unites police departments from across the county to address high-risk driving behaviors including speeding, impaired and distracted driving, and pedestrian safety violations.
“You will see officers from multiple towns working together in the areas where the data tells us lives are most at risk,” Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds said. “CARE sends a strong message: We are going to work smarter, not just harder, to protect the people who live, work and visit Atlantic County.”
Data reviewed by the Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center – South highlights that most fatal crashes are caused by preventable actions.
June, July and August were identified as peak periods for impaired driving deaths.
“Our job isn’t just enforcement, it’s prevention,” said Christine Woltmann, Highway Traffic Safety Coordinator for the Atlantic-Cape May Region. “CARE brings together law enforcement, data and education to help people make better choices before tragedy strikes.”
“Every fatal crash is one too many,” Absecon Police Chief James Laughlin said. “Whether it’s through public education or traffic stops, the CARE task force is committed to doing everything possible to reduce these needless losses.”
“This initiative shows what is possible when agencies work together toward a common goal," Galloway Township Police Chief Eric Hendrickson said. "Through collaboration, shared resources and a unified mission, we are all committed to providing safer roads and better-informed communities.”
The Atlantic County Sheriff's Office also is involved in enforcement, Sheriff Joseph O'Donoghue told BreakingAC.
He said his office's daily work was sparked by the increase in fatalities.
"I've been yapping about this since I got into office," he said.
The CARE for Fatal Crashes initiative will continue through the summer and beyond, with more operations planned in partnership with communities across the county.
Law enforcement remains focused on raising awareness, improving behavior and saving lives.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office is honoring those lost with a Saint Christopher’s Mass named for the patron saint of travelers.
This Healing Mass is set for 10:30 a.m. July 23 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Absecon.
