By: Follow South Jersey Staff
SOUTH JERSEY — Police departments from across South Jersey will coordinate with other law enforcement agencies in a first of its kind initiative called “Goal Zero,” promoting a shared commitment to “Zero Deaths, Zero Injuries, Zero Crashes” on Wednesday, Nov. 25, the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) announced.
Thanksgiving Eve is often referred to as “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving” and has a history of an increased number of DWIs. Local law enforcement agencies say they will conduct “high-visibility patrols on high risk roads in their jurisdictions,” according to a press release from the Bridgeton Police Department.
“We are participating in this effort because motor vehicle crashes are too high in [Bridgeton], Bridgeton Chief of Police James G. Battavio stated in the press release. “We will commit extra officers to be out and proactively address areas where crashes and violations are mostly occurring. Our officers will be looking for any and all violations to include speeding, cell phone use, seatbelt usage, and any other infraction that lead to unsafe driving on our streets.”
Mount Laurel Police Department posted on their Instagram account, “Our officers will be out in force, working to prevent serious crashes and ensure that everyone arrives at their holiday destinations safely.”
“Preventing injuries and deaths on our roads is important work that law enforcement officers perform every day in Gloucester County,” Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns in a press release from his office. “The holiday season should be a time for celebration and family, not tragedy and loss. These saturation patrols on Thanksgiving Eve will help ensure that Gloucester County’s roads are safe for everyone and take us one step closer to Goal Zero.
According the the NJSACOP, “Goal Zero is more than enforcement; it’s a movement towards a safer and more responsible state.”
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