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'Don't Drive Stupid'
(by Kathryn A. Burger - April 02, 2008)
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Graphic Courtesy of the Park Ridge Police Department
Students at
Park Ridge
High School will receive this card as part of the ‘Don’t Drive Stupid’ state-wide campaign that will kick-off on April 7 at the school. Local, county and state officials will attend the program, which is being organized by the Park Ridge Police Department.
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If the illustration accompanying this article draws the eye, it has served its purpose.
Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, with drivers more likely to be involved in a crash during their first 12 to 24 months behind the wheel. And the Park Ridge Police Department will be leading off a state-wide educational initiative on April 7 with a special program at
Park Ridge
High School .
Lt. Joseph Rampolla said the department applied for and was approved for a grant to promote campaign, sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety (NJDHTS). “We have also been designated as the primary jurisdiction to kick-off the program to promote safe driving among new drivers, specifically teens who begin driving under the New Jersey Graduated License Program.” Teens who have graduated licenses cannot drive between 12:01 and 5 a.m.; have more than one passenger; and must wear a seat belt and make sure the passenger does, too. Those who violate those restrictions face a fine of $100 and possible license suspension.
The educational component of the campaign is, “Don’t Drive Stupid,” which focuses on seat belt use, speed and dangerous behaviors.
According to the NJDHTS, for the period 1996-2006, an average of 114 drivers, ages 15 to 20, were involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes in
New Jersey each year. Factors that contribute to cashes involving young drivers include:
- Driver inexperience
- Risk taking
- Alcohol and drug use
- Non-use of seat belts
- Distractions
These and other causative factors will be part of the presentation at the high school. Rampolla said, “The NJSHTS, which falls under the Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law and Public Safety, has offered police departments the opportunity to participate in the grant program to fund overtime enforcement during the three week campaign from April 7 to 25.”
During that time, officers from departments approved for the program will conduct special enforcement and education details targeting teen drivers. The details will take place near school exits, during afternoon school dismissal time. Officers will initiate contact with the young drivers, distribute educational materials and issue summonses when warranted, according to the NJDHTS. However, the goal is not to write tickets, but to dissuade young drivers from dangerous driving practices that contribute to crashes, injuries and fatalities.
On April 7, representatives from the NJDHTS, the Bergen County Executive, along with other state and county officials will participate in the program at the high school, and hold a press conference at its conclusion.
Kathryn A. Burger's e-mail address is burger@northjersey.com.
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