Families Honored at Middle’s “Put The Brakes on Fatalities Day”

COURT HOUSE– An early report released by the National Highway and Transportation Administration (NHTSA) estimated there were approximately 34,000 traffic fatalities in 2009. That’s about 93 fatalities every single day – one fatality every 15 minutes. Imagine a day with zero traffic deaths where all drivers make a special effort to “Put the Brakes on Fatalities!”
The tenth annual Put The Brakes on Fatalities will be celebrated on October 10, 2010 by promoting the theme “Don’t be Driven to Distraction – Drive to Arrive” in Middle Township to encourage the public to reduce driver distractions so they and their loved ones do not become one of those statistics.
In support of “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day”, Middle Township Mayor Susan DeLanzo proclaimed Sunday, October 10, 2010 “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day” in memory of residents of Middle Township who have recently passed in motor vehicle accidents. The Proclamation was passed in memory of the following residents include: Kevin Lamb, Markal Ginyard, Matthew Tozer, Craig Lozier.
The goal is to unite the country in achieving one full day of zero traffic deaths by encouraging safer behavior and actions, promoting safer roadways and vehicles, and creating improved ways to handle medical emergencies and enforcement of traffic regulations. : Motor vehicle fatalities are the leading cause of death for all Americans from three to fourteen years old. Whether as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, motorcyclist, cyclist or professional, by working together in a concerted effort, we can make a difference by reducing to zero the number of fatalities occurring on our nation’s roads,” said Chief Christopher Leusner. School Resource Officers at Middle Township High School and the Cape May Technical High School has been meeting with students and passing literature about participating in, “PUT THE BRAKES ON FATALITIES DAY” and the hazards of driving while distracted.
The good news is that by taking pro-active steps, the public can greatly reduce the odds of becoming a statistic. “First and foremost, we must be attentive when we drive.” Leusner said. Eliminating distractions such as text messaging and talking on a cell phone, never driving when drowsy, always driving defensively and obeying the posted speed limits, sharing the road with other vehicles like motorcycles, bicycles, and trucks, slowing down in bad weather and in construction and school zones, and not drinking while driving are just a few examples of how drivers can reduce their chances of being in a crash. Other important safety practices include buckling up immediately upon entering a vehicle or every time you begin a trip, using appropriate child safety seats, wearing a helmet when bicycling, motorcycling, or skating, and crossing the street in crosswalks,” Leusner noted.
October was selected for Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day observance because it is among the peak months for traffic fatalities. In fact, October 9th was the most dangerous day of the year to be on the road in 1999: 207 people died in traffic crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). February 22 was the safest day to be on the road that year: 50 were killed in motor vehicle crashes.