At the beginning of 2000, Michael Barruzza took over the position as the Sheriff of Cumberland County. He applied for a traffic safety grant from the New Jersey Department of Highway Traffic Safety. This grant was awarded because Cumberland County had the worst seat belt use compliance in the State of New Jersey and New Jersey had the worst compliance use rate in the nation. So Cumberland County was the worst of the worst.
G. William Garrison was hired as the traffic safety coordinator to administer this grant. The Cumberland County Sheriff's Traffic Safety Task Force was formed to assist in promoting traffic safety. There are approximately 50 members of the Task Force who come from various backgrounds. The Task Force is made up of members of the various police departments, state police, rescue squads, hospital, school transportation department, county road department, Office on Aging,
9-1-1 Center, hospitals and other citizens.
Originally the contact person from the NJDHTS was Sharane Orendas and with her guidance the program became successful. Since Sharane retired, Ed O'Connor and now Raymond Reeve are overseeing the program.
Over the years the Cumberland County Sheriff's Traffic Safety Program has developed a variety of safety programs addressing various traffic safety problems. Below is a list of these programs.
Traffic signs, billboards and posters:
You Cannot Afford To Pass This In Cumberland County"
Posters:
Who Survived
Drunk Driving...Is It Worth It
I Only Date Men Who Buckle Up
Wherever You Drive-Seatbelts Save Lives
You Buckle Them So We Don't Have To
I AM A Survivor! (a series of three posters)
Drive Safe-Ride Safe-Live Safe
Even Santa Buckles Up
Public Safety Announcements:
"I'm Tired"
Buckle Up-Be A Winner
School Bus Safety-Its Not A Game
The Most Important Accessory
Programs:
F.A.T.A.L. (Facts About Traffic Accident Loss)
Somebody Loves Me- So I Buckle Up
Invest In Safety
Buck The Buckle Up Dog
HERO Challenge
"SMASHED" coordinate this program with Barbi Harris, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
Demonstrations:
Mock Accident
Paint "Buckle-Up" on driveway exits at various schools, businesses and public areas.
Sometimes using a new car seat can be difficult. If moms, grandparents, neighbors or friends need help putting a car seat in a car, anyone could contact any of the following places for help.
Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department
Area Fitting Station
856-451-4449 ext. 107
Millville Rescue Squad
856-825-5063 ext. 524
Millville Police Department
856-825-7000 ext. 367
New Jersey State Police
Bridgeton Barracks
856-451-0101
Port Norris Barracks
856-785-0036
South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance
856-794-1941
NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety
Web site: www.njsaferoads.com |
