Jackson Police Plan Major Traffic Violation Crackdown After Receiving State Grant

The Jackson Township Police Department will increase patrols and traffic enforcement over the coming months following the approval of a state-funded grant aimed at reducing car crashes and roadway fatalities.

The grant, issued by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, will support Jackson’s traffic safety efforts through September 30 as part of the state’s Sustained Enforcement Program. Officers will focus their attention on heavily traveled corridors and intersections with a history of frequent accidents.

As part of the initiative, the department has pledged a “zero-tolerance” approach to serious traffic violations. Residents and commuters can expect to see a visible uptick in enforcement targeting speeding, distracted driving, failure to obey traffic signals, and other dangerous behaviors.

“Our goal is simple: fewer crashes, fewer injuries, and no fatalities,” said Lt. Fred Meabe, the department’s public information officer. “This grant gives us the tools to be proactive, but we also need the community to be part of the solution.”

In 2024, Jackson police responded to 1,580 reportable motor vehicle crashes. Of those, five were fatal, resulting in six deaths. Thirteen other crashes led to life-threatening injuries. Officials said the grant funding will help support consistent enforcement to curb those trends.

The township will also take part in national safety initiatives such as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Click It or Ticket,” and “Put the Phone Away or Pay,” all of which are coordinated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and enforced locally.

While stepped-up enforcement is a key component of the program, police are also appealing to drivers to take responsibility behind the wheel. “We can’t do it alone,” Meabe said. “If drivers obey speed limits, wear seat belts, use hands-free devices, and follow traffic laws, we can move closer to our shared goal of zero fatalities.”

“This is about saving lives,” Meabe said. “And every safe choice a driver makes brings us closer to that goal.”