Ocean County Police Join Statewide Traffic Enforcement Push as Road Deaths Rise

Ocean County law enforcement took part in a statewide traffic operation Monday under the Goal: Zero campaign. Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced the effort, which responds to climbing traffic deaths statewide.

By Feb. 19, 57 people had died on state roads this year. Seven deaths occurred in Ocean County.

Officers worked from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23. The operation honored Tim O'Donnell and his 5-year-old daughter, Bridget, who lost their lives on Feb. 22, 2016, when an impaired driver struck them on the Turnpike. Ten years had passed.

"Goal: Zero is not a slogan — it is a commitment," Billhimer said, according to Patch.com. "Every fatal crash is preventable, and law enforcement will use every tool at its disposal to hold careless and reckless drivers accountable."

He added, "Anyone who speeds, drives while impaired, or ignores basic rules of the roadway must understand that law enforcement will be out there in full force and will take appropriate action. Our mission is simple: zero deaths on Ocean County roadways."

After Tim O'Donnell and Bridget died, Tim's wife, Pam, created the Catch You Later Foundation. This group works to reduce dangerous driving and promote road safety.

Holmdel Township Patrolman Matt Menosky started the 2024 Goal: Zero campaign, which pulled in 36 municipalities. The campaign targeted dangerous driving.

The bright green color in the Goal: Zero logo means high visibility. It also stands for pedestrian and school safety. A black bar within the logo acts as a mourning band for those who died in traffic crashes.