There were more than 600 crash-related fatalities on New Jersey roadways in
2023. We’re so used to seeing statistics that it can be easy to forget there are real people behind the numbers. So let’s reframe it.
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In 2023, more than 600 mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and friends never
made it home to their loved ones – and many of those losses were
preventable.
From his first day on the job, New Jersey Department of Transportation
Commissioner Fran O’Connor has made improving roadway safety one of his top
priorities. Having spent more than four decades working with transportation
agencies across the country, Commissioner O’Connor knows all too well the
tragic consequences of distracted and impaired driving. Then, shortly before
taking office, he experienced the heartbreaking loss of a close friend in a
distracted driving crash.
That devastating incident – and recent fatalities involving impaired
drivers, elder pedestrians and children on bicycles are stark reminders that
behind every statistic, there is a human story, a family affected, and a
community grieving.
One death is too many, and every loss of life is tragic, especially when it
could have been prevented by putting down a phone, getting a designated
driver, or simply paying attention to the road. These are things we all
learn when we get our license but, unfortunately, when it comes to driver
behavior, knowing better doesn’t always equate to doing better.
NJDOT Commissioner Fran O'Connor
“At NJDOT, safety is a priority and consideration in every step of our
project delivery process,” O’Connor says. “But no amount of engineering can
fully compensate for driver behavior. Everyone deserves to go home to their
loved ones at the end of the day.”
With the support Governor Murphy and his commitment to improving roadway
safety, NJDOT is doing everything it can to ensure the safety of those
traveling throughout the Garden State. But, ultimately, it’s up to motorists
and everyone who uses these roadways do their part and drive responsibly.
Even passengers play a role in making sure the driver is sober and not
distracted.
The single most important thing a driver can do when behind the wheel is
stay alert. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers – risking their own
lives, and the lives of everyone around them.
While choosing to use your phone while behind the wheel, or drive while
under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to a hefty fine or jail
time – those aren’t the only ways drivers lose focus. Lives have been lost
because someone looked down to grab a sandwich or change a radio station. It
really does take only a second to lose control and change someone’s life
forever.
“We need the help of the motoring public, and all roadway users, if we want
to see a decline in fatalities and injuries caused by distracted driving,”
O’Connor says.
It is possible to lower the number of fatal crashes in New Jersey but NJDOT,
the New Jersey State Police, and other partner agencies can’t do it alone.
Let’s work to break the bad habits that put yourself and others at risk,
commit to driving responsibly, and respect our fellow roadway users. Visit
www.DriveSafelyNJ.com to learn
more.
