Ocean County, New Jersey, is gearing up for a critical safety initiative as part of a statewide effort to combat distracted and impaired driving. On Saturday, June 6, police officers will be conducting traffic checks on roads identified as part of the High Injury Network, which includes several key routes in Ocean and Monmouth Counties. This initiative is a part of the Goal: Zero campaign, a mission to raise awareness about the dangers of reckless driving and to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on New Jersey's roads.
The High Injury Network roads in question are: Route 9 in Freehold, Route 35 in Asbury Park, Route 9 in Lakewood, Route 35 in Seaside Heights, Ocean Terrace in Seaside Heights, Lacey Road in Forked River, Route 70 in Lakewood, Main Street, Ocean Avenue in Lakewood, New Hampshire Road in Lakewood, Cedarbridge Avenue in Lakewood, and County Line Road in Lakewood. These roads are chosen due to their high injury rates, making them priority areas for enforcement and safety measures.
The campaign's origin story is deeply personal for many involved. Matthew Menosky, a traffic safety officer, launched Goal: Zero in 2024 in memory of John "Jack" Misdom Jr., who was tragically killed by a drunk driver in 1992. This initiative has since gained momentum, with local officers conducting monthly traffic details to promote safe driving practices. In May, for instance, 104 police officers stopped 769 vehicles, citing violations such as speeding, improper seatbelt usage, and cell phone use while driving.
The Ocean County Police Department's dedication of Saturday's traffic detail to State Trooper Marc Castellano is a poignant reminder of the human cost of distracted driving. Castellano was killed in 2010 while responding to a reported carjacking, leading to the introduction of the Move Over Law. This law mandates that drivers reduce speed and switch lanes when approaching a stopped emergency, service, or disabled vehicle with hazard lights on.
Donna Setaro, Castellano's mother, has been a vocal advocate for the Move Over Law since her son's accident. Her efforts, alongside other concerned citizens, have contributed to the widespread awareness of this law. The law's implementation is a significant step towards the broader New Jersey Target Zero Action Plan, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2040. This plan includes the High Injury Network and the installation of new safety technology at the state's ten most dangerous intersections.
New Jersey has already seen a notable decrease in fatal crashes, with 578 fatalities in 2025, down from 684 in 2024, a reduction of over 15%. This progress is a testament to the effectiveness of initiatives like Goal: Zero and the Move Over Law. However, the campaign's organizers emphasize that there is still much work to be done. Matthew Menosky urges drivers to "slow down, buckle up, put the phone away, drive responsibly, and never drive impaired." The message is clear: every choice behind the wheel matters, and it is up to drivers to make the right ones.
As the campaign continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life on the roads and the importance of personal responsibility. The personal stories and dedication of those involved in the Goal: Zero initiative make it a powerful call to action, urging all drivers to reflect on their behavior and make a positive change. The future of road safety in New Jersey depends on the choices made by every driver, and the campaign's efforts are a crucial step towards a safer, more responsible driving culture.
