In response to a sharp rise in roadway fatalities across New Jersey, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced a new county-wide traffic enforcement initiative, “Goal: Zero,” in partnership with more than 20 local police departments and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office.
As of August 22, 2025, 355 people have been killed on New Jersey roadways this year, with 38 of those deaths occurring in Ocean County alone.
“Ocean County is not immune from this crisis,” said Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. “Every life lost on our roads represents someone’s family, friend, or neighbor. This enforcement effort is about protecting our community and ensuring that everyone gets home safely.”
The enforcement detail will kick off on Thursday, August 28, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with coordinated patrols focusing on Jersey Shore roadways. Similar operations will take place on the last Thursday of every month from March through September, timed to coincide with peak driving periods at the Shore.
Participating agencies include police departments from Berkeley Township, Seaside Park, Seaside Heights, Toms River, Lavallette, Brick, Mantoloking, Bay Head, Point Pleasant Borough, Point Pleasant Beach, Stafford, Harvey Cedars, Long Beach Township, Beach Haven, Surf City, Barnegat, Manchester, and Beachwood, along with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office.
The Goal: Zero initiative was first introduced in 2024 by Holmdel Township Patrolman Matt Menosky, who united 36 municipalities to target dangerous driving behaviors. The campaign’s logo, marked by bright green and a black mourning band, symbolizes both high visibility for pedestrian and school safety and remembrance for those lost in crashes.
“This is about education, enforcement, and ultimately saving lives,” Billhimer added.