Atlantic County leaders join efforts to make roads safer

Fatal collisions that have risen across Atlantic County mostly are preventable, officials say.

There were 58 fatal crashes in the county last year. It was the highest in a decade and put the county at No. 2 statewide.

Now, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and Atlantic County Chiefs of Police Association are calling for a stronger commitment to enforcement alongside education.

“The loss of life on our roadways is devastating, and every fatal crash leaves a lasting impact on the families and loved ones left behind,” said Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel, president of the Atlantic County Chiefs Association. “These are not just statistics; they are parents, children, and friends who should have made it home safely. We must all work together to prevent these tragedies.”

As part of this effort, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office has joined with multiple local agencies and schools in bringing awareness to young drivers. Still, officials stress that while instruction and awareness play an important role in promoting safe driving habits, law enforcement must be proactive and aggressive where appropriate.

“Education alone isn’t going to solve this problem,” Atlantic County Chief of Detectives Patrick Snyder said. “There must be accountability. Enforcement needs to serve as a deterrent to reckless and impaired driving. When people know there are real consequences, they’re more likely to make safer choices.”

Police agencies across the county have formed a task force dedicated to enhanced enforcement operations above and beyond existing traffic safety programs. This initiative is being conducted with the support of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety Atlantic-Cape May Region and will focus on targeting high-risk areas for violations such as speeding, impaired driving, and pedestrian safety infractions.

“As part of this effort, you may see neighboring jurisdictions supporting each other in traffic enforcement throughout these targeted zones,” Atlantic County Prosecutor William Reynolds said. “Our goal is to send a clear message that reckless and impaired driving will not be tolerated, no matter where it happens in Atlantic County.”

Traffic data continues to show that most crashes are caused by preventable behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving and distracted driving. Pedestrian fatalities, many of which occur in areas not safe for pedestrian crossing.

Data reviewed of fatal crashes from 2013 through 2023 by the Prosecutor’s Office, with the analytical assistance of the New Jersey State Police Regional Crime Center South, revealed that June, July and August were peak months for DWI fatal collisions.

“This collaborative effort by our law enforcement partners demonstrates their continued commitment to reversing the rising trend of traffic crashes and fatalities,” said Christine Woltmann, highway traffic safety coordinator for the Atlantic-Cape May Region. “We can achieve the goal of zero fatalities in Atlantic County, simply by making responsible decisions every time we get behind the wheel.”

Law enforcement agencies across Atlantic County remain committed to increasing patrols, enhancing public awareness and holding drivers accountable to reduce these preventable deaths. 

The public is reminded that vehicular homicide — in which reckless driving causes the death of another — carries a penalty of five to 10 years in prison. Egregious vehicle fatalities caused by circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life will be charged as aggravated manslaughter, which carries a maximum of 30 years in prison.

“Every life lost is one too many,” added Lt. James Rosiello, who supervises the Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Collisions Unit. “We urge all drivers to slow down, stay alert, and respect the rules of the road. Enforcement efforts will continue to be a top priority in making our roads safer for everyone.”

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A PRESENTATION ON SAFE DRIVING TO YOUR SCHOOL OR COMMUNITY GROUP.