The legislation’s goal is to end traffic fatalities and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040. On Monday, Governor Phil Murphy signed the bill into law. Sponsored by Hoboken Assemblyman John Allen (D – District 32), A1476/S361 creates the Target Zero Commission.
The 13-member group will be comprised of state officials from the Department of Transportation (DOT), State Police, along with the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, regional transportation officials, and others who will work together to make New Jersey’s roads safer for drivers and pedestrians.
Statistics show that traffic deaths and injuries have sharply increased in New Jersey in recent years. From 2023 to 2024, fatalities increased 14% and pedestrian fatalities increased 32%.
The Target Zero Commission will focus on data-driven strategies that prioritize roadway design, speed management, and safety for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. The Commission will advise the Governor, the Legislature, and the DOT regarding policies, programs, research, and priorities that will aid in attaining the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities.
Under the new law, according to a press release, “the Commission is directed to propose an action plan within one year of the bill’s signing, with a chance for the public to provide feedback on the proposed plan. The Commission will also collect traffic safety data for the public, including data on dangerous intersections and crash demographics. Additionally, the Commission will provide data and resources to local municipalities to assist them in developing their own Target Zero plans.”
In signing the legislation, Governor Murphy remarked, “The actions we take today will ensure that New Jersey families no longer have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to traffic fatalities. The Commission will collaborate to prioritize safety and mobility, forging a clear path to making sure everyone, whether walking, biking, driving, or using public transit, can travel safely in New Jersey.”
Meanwhile, Assemblyman Allen, a prime sponsor of the bill, stated, “This legislation serves as a reminder that traffic fatalities can be avoided if the right resources are in place. The commission established by this bill will help us plan and allocate resources so that we can reach zero, and ultimately an end to pedestrian fatalities.”