Montgomery Police Report More Than 260 Traffic Stops During Spring Safety Campaigns
Enforcement efforts focused on distracted driving, seat belt use, impaired driving and other hazardous behaviors
MONTGOMERY — Montgomery Township police conducted more than 260 motor vehicle stops during several traffic safety initiatives held throughout April and May, according to information released by the department Friday.
The enforcement campaigns focused on distracted driving, seat belt compliance, impaired driving and other behaviors associated with serious crashes. Several of the initiatives were supported by grant funding from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
During New Jersey’s statewide Distracted Driving Enforcement and Awareness Campaign in April, Montgomery police received funding for 50 additional enforcement hours. Officers conducted 112 motor vehicle stops and issued 75 summonses, including 56 for cell phone-related violations. Two arrests were also reported.
From May 18 through May 31, the department participated in the statewide Click It or Ticket campaign, using 40 grant-funded enforcement hours to focus on seat belt use and occupant safety.
According to preliminary enforcement figures, officers stopped 99 vehicles and issued 68 summonses during the campaign. Those included approximately 40 seat belt violations and 12 hazardous moving violations. Police also arrested two drivers on outstanding traffic warrants.
Ahead of the Memorial Day holiday travel period, Montgomery police participated in Operation Safe Passage, an initiative targeting impaired driving. The department received 16 grant-funded enforcement hours, supplemented by money from the Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund.
Officers conducted 35 motor vehicle stops and issued 14 summonses during that initiative, according to the department.
Montgomery police also continue to participate in Goal: Zero, a statewide enforcement and education campaign associated with New Jersey’s Target Zero Safety Action Plan. The initiative is intended to reduce roadway deaths, serious injuries and crashes through enforcement based on traffic and crash data.
Goal: Zero details focus on violations associated with serious and fatal crashes, including speeding, distracted and impaired driving, improper passing and intersection-related offenses. Officers are assigned to locations and times identified as presenting a higher risk based on available crash information.
The department’s most recent Goal: Zero detail was conducted May 17 from 3 to 7 p.m. Two officers assigned to the operation conducted 15 motor vehicle stops, issued 17 summonses and arrested one driver on outstanding warrants.
“We want every driver and passenger to arrive at their destination safely,” Police Chief Silvio Bet said. “These enforcement initiatives are about preventing tragedies before they happen by encouraging responsible driving habits, whether that means buckling up, driving sober, slowing down, or staying focused behind the wheel.”
Bet said the combination of targeted enforcement and public education is intended to improve roadway safety during the Memorial Day and summer travel periods.
The police department said it will continue its traffic enforcement and driver education efforts as part of its goal of reducing crashes, roadway fatalities and serious injuries.
Photo Credit: Montgomery Township Police Department