In response to a sharp rise in traffic-related fatalities across the state, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is joining forces with multiple municipal police departments and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office for a new countywide traffic enforcement initiative known as Goal: Zero.
Announced jointly by Ocean County Prosecutor Brad Billhimer and the chiefs of police from Lakehurst, Manchester, Toms River, and Berkeley Townships, along with Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy, the campaign aims to combat reckless driving and prevent fatal crashes through high-visibility patrols and targeted enforcement.
As of April 15, New Jersey has recorded 140 traffic fatalities, with 16 of those deaths occurring in Ocean County alone.
“Our mission is not to maximize citations, but to minimize loss of life,” said Prosecutor Billhimer. “Goal: Zero is about creating safer roadways, with the ultimate goal of eliminating fatalities and serious injuries. Every life saved is a true measure of success.”
The next coordinated enforcement operation is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and will focus on State Highway 37. These operations will take place on the last Thursday of each month through September.
The campaign traces its roots to Holmdel Township Patrolman Matt Menosky, who spearheaded the original Goal: Zero effort in 2024. That initiative united 36 municipalities in a shared mission to curb dangerous driving behaviors. The program’s logo—featuring a vivid green background and a black mourning bar—symbolizes both visibility and remembrance: the green for pedestrian and school safety, the black for lives lost in preventable collisions.
I hope they start seriously ticketing people who use their phone while driving! This is a horroble.problem in Lakewood and is shameful, dangerous, and a huge chillul Hashem! I’m sure it’s a huge factor in the number of accidents in the area!