TRENTON – New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, in collaboration with the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is launching a joint effort with law enforcement agencies statewide to raise awareness about the dangers of speeding and prioritize responsible driving habits and adherence to speed limits.
Starting this week and continuing until July 31, law enforcement will increase their efforts to enforce speed limits on New Jersey roads. With speeding-related fatalities seeing a 17 percent increase nationally in recent years, this campaign aims to educate the public about the hazards of speeding and the legal consequences of exceeding speed limits. Drivers will face tickets if caught speeding.
In 2021, the latest available data, speeding accounted for 26 percent of all crash fatalities in New Jersey, claiming the lives of 178 individuals. Young drivers and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to high-speed crashes, making up the largest demographic involved in speeding-related vehicle collisions. Statewide in 2021, 34 percent of all drivers involved in fatal speeding crashes were between 17 and 26 years old, with 79 percent being male and 21 percent being female. Speeding not only endangers the lives of drivers but also poses a threat to pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. Law enforcement agencies have ramped up their efforts to enforce speed limits and hold those who violate them accountable.
“Speed kills – it is that simple. We know that more than a quarter of crash fatalities in New Jersey are related to speeding, and that raises real concerns for public safety,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to keeping our roadways safe by stepping up enforcement against dangerous and reckless speeding behavior across the state.”
Speeding creates hazardous conditions by impeding maneuverability around curves and obstacles, increasing the distance required for a vehicle to stop, and reducing reaction time. It significantly elevates the risk of collisions and injuries as other road users may struggle to accurately assess distances and respond effectively.
The consequences of speeding, whether personal, societal, or legal, can be significant. Drivers who disregard speed limits expose themselves to penalties such as fines ranging from $50 to $200, license suspension, and accumulation of points on their driving record. Moreover, increased insurance premiums can place financial strain on individuals for years to come. In severe cases where speeding leads to serious accidents or loss of life, drivers may face imprisonment.
By raising awareness, intensifying enforcement, and emphasizing responsible driving, this initiative aims to promote safer roadways and protect the lives of all who travel on New Jersey’s streets.