Starting Thursday afternoon, drivers on Route 70 in Ocean County will see a stronger police presence as law enforcement agencies from five local towns participate in a countywide traffic enforcement operation.
The enforcement, known as Goal: Zero, will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and marks the first of several planned initiatives aimed at reducing traffic accidents and fatalities. Police departments from Manchester, Brick, Lakehurst, Toms River, and Lakewood will be involved in this coordinated effort, which will focus on Route 70 from Manchester to Brick.
This operation comes in response to a sharp increase in traffic fatalities both statewide and within Ocean County. According to New Jersey State Police, there have been 103 fatal crashes and 109 deaths across the state as of March 27. In Ocean County alone, the number of fatal accidents has risen to 13, with 15 fatalities so far in 2025, compared to 11 fatal crashes and 11 deaths during the same period in 2024.
The Goal: Zero initiative aims to reduce these numbers by targeting reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence. The program seeks to prevent traffic accidents through strict enforcement, educational campaigns, and community outreach.
In addition to Thursday’s event, Goal: Zero traffic details will be held on the last Thursday of each month from March to September, with the goal of significantly lowering crash rates and saving lives.
The Goal: Zero campaign is marked by a distinctive logo in bright green, symbolizing high visibility and safety, especially for pedestrians and school zones. The black bar on the logo serves as a tribute to those lost in traffic accidents.
This effort is part of a broader commitment to making roads safer for all, by addressing the root causes of traffic accidents and encouraging safer driving habits.
