The second enforcement operation to reduce fatal crashes not only led to more summonses but resolved four outstanding warrants.
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 operations targets dangerous driving behaviors in high-risk crash areas.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office announced the initiative earlier this month, noting it comes after a year in which Atlantic County had the second most traffic-related deaths in the state.
Th3e first initiative led to 111 motor vehicle stops and 71 summonses in the first operation in Absecon, Atlantic City and Galloway Township.
“The success of the first operation set a high standard, and we are proud that the second phase is building on that success," county Prosecutor William Reynolds said. "The task force’s efforts are helping us focus our resources where they are most needed, and the results are already visible. We are committed to seeing this through and ensuring safer streets for everyone.”
The latest operation Monday led to 105 motor vehicle stops, resulting in 92 summonses. Four vehicles towed and four people were arrested on warrants. Details on the warrants were not released.
The breakdown was:
“This ongoing partnership has already yielded impressive results, and this second operation marks a critical step forward in our efforts to curb fatal crashes, Pleasantville Police Chief Stacey Schlachter said. "We are determined to keep the momentum going and continue sending a clear message that unsafe driving will not be tolerated in our community.”
The initiative focuses on dangerous driving behavior such as speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving and violations of traffic laws. With the help of a multijurisdictional team of officers, the task force’s goal is to reduce fatalities and promote safer driving practices in the region.
“This operation reinforces the commitment we have made to improving road safety in our County by working as a team to keep our citizens safe,” Northfield Police Chief Mark VonColln said.
“This task force is extremely unique," said Christine Woltmann, Highway Traffic Safety coordinator for the Atlantic-Cape May Region. "You have all the county police chiefs coupled with the Sheriff’s and Prosecutor’s offices, working together across jurisdictions to reduce fatalities. You have the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Department dispatch center doing an amazing job of supporting the high volume of radio traffic, and you have the women and men who are out conducting meaningful enforcement,” .
Looking ahead, Coordinator Sgt. William Hess, of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, said that “CARE plans to continue its operations, with additional enforcement actions scheduled for the coming months.”
In addition to enforcement, local law enforcement also will enhance community engagement and educational campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of unsafe driving and promote responsible road habits.
“One of the key aspects of this operation is ensuring the educational piece is completed," Egg Harbor Township Police Chief Fred Spano said. "This is why partnering with non-law enforcement entities is so vital to reduce these incidents”
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.