“Put the brakes on fatalities” day observed in N.J.

New Jersey law enforcement officials are hoping there won’t be a single motor vehicle fatality anywhere in the state today–today marks the 11th annual “Put the Brakes on Fatalities” day.

State Attorney General Paula Dow says the national initiative is meant to remind drivers about the importance of obeying traffic laws, using seat belts and avoiding distractions.

Dow says the state has been on a four-year downward trend in motor vehicle fatalities.

 

And although that’s brought the state to the lowest number of fatalities since the 1940s, there were still 556 motor vehicle-related deaths last year in New Jersey.

A poll released in August shows nearly 40 percent of New Jersey drivers admit using hand-held phones behind the wheel, and 19 percent to drinking before driving.