PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

With a population of 8,414,350, New Jersey ranks ninth in total population and is the most densely populated state in the nation. It has a vast system of heavily traveled roadways that accommodate more than 61 billion miles of travel annually. The state has a primary seatbelt law with a current usage rate of 77.6 percent, and has one of the most aggressive child passenger safety laws in the country.

In 1999, there were an estimated 256,911 crashes resulting in 726 fatalities and 130,862 personal injuries. Over 121,000 crashes involved motor vehicle passengers or drivers, 5,700 involved pedestrians, and 2,400 involved bicyclists.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

In an effort to decrease traffic safety injuries and fatalities, the New Jersey Office of Highway Safety designed an education vehicle that can be used to bring traffic safety education to all areas of the state.

The objectives of the project are to:

• provide effective education programs to both youth and adults;

•  increase community awareness of traffic safety issues; and

• educate corporations and other segments of the population that are not always reached.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

A transit bus was purchased for a nominal fee and totally renovated into an educational classroom by New Jersey Transit employees. Among the many items stocked on the bus are a TV/VCR, breathalyzer units, speed detection devices, car seats and related equipment, helmets, and a driving simulator. The bus also has educational videos, brochures, and a variety of traffic safety handouts.

Retired transit bus drivers will operate the unit, which will be primarily staffed by troopers from the New Jersey State Police Community Policing Unit. One of the unique features of this vehicle is that it can be staffed according to the demographics of the community in which it is located. The bus will be used at many sites, including schools, corporations, state and local fairs, and community festivals. Appointments to use the bus are made through the New Jersey Office of Highway Safety.

Prior to putting the bus into operation, an informal kick-off was held for the New Jersey Transit staff recognizing them for their hard work and dedication to this project. A formal press event with state and local dignitaries is being planned for the near future.

RESULTS

It is anticipated that over 100,000 individuals will receive education through this project annually. It will be particularly valuable in those areas of the state that do not currently have Community Traffic Safety Programs. There have been over 20 requests for the unit since the announcement of its availability.

   WINTER 2002