Press Release: World Day of Remembrance 2024

METUCHEN, NJ Nov. 17, 2024 — Families devastated by traffic violence gathered on Sunday to honor their loved ones and demand no further delays in passing the Target Zero Commission Bill, a critical step toward eliminating deaths and serious injuries on New Jersey roads by 2040. 

Gathering in Metuchen as part of the Worldwide Day of Remembrance, crash survivors and families of traffic crash victims were joined by elected officials and advocates united in the call for safer streets for all road users, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders.

The Worldwide Day of Remembrance was observed across the state, with additional events held in Trenton and Jersey City. In these cities, cyclists rode to crash sites to install “ghost bikes”—a powerful symbol honoring those lost to traffic violence and raising awareness of the need for change.

Central to their plea is the long-stalled Target Zero Commission Bill (S361), currently awaiting action in the Senate. If passed and signed by Governor Murphy, the bill would create a 13-member multi-agency commission of key stakeholders from the the state Department of Transportation, NJ Transit, State Police, and other critical agencies, including health, community affairs, and environmental justice. The commission would be tasked with coordinating across disciplines to develop a comprehensive action plan to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040.

Speakers shared powerful stories of their lives forever altered by traffic violence, standing in front of flags symbolizing the 593 lives lost on New Jersey roads so far this year – already representing a 14% increase over last year.  Many held photos of loved ones or signs highlighting the toll of inaction: 1,559 lives lost since the Target Zero Commission Bill was first introduced in 2022. Although it has been passed unanimously by the State Assembly twice, the bill has yet to advance in the Senate, delaying vital progress toward safer streets. 

“Families like mine, and countless others, have already paid the ultimate price. We cannot afford to wait any longer for safer streets. It’s time for the Senate to act—no more delays, no more hesitation,” remarked Sangeeta Badlani, Founder of the Nikhil Badlani Foundation, Families for Safe Streets NJ, and a co-founder of Vision Zero NJ Alliance. “Zero by 2040 is achievable. We have the tools to make it happen: modernized road designs, lower speed limits, and advanced vehicle technologies that save lives.”

 “The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in Metuchen heightened awareness about the devastation that traffic crashes cause and honored the memories of victims,” said Senator Patrick Diegnan. “Out of unfathomable tragedies, the grieving family members in attendance continue to keep alive the indomitable spirit of their loved ones, turning heartbreaking loss into life-changing advocacy. They embody why making our roads safe for all road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists, must be a priority for our state.”

 “This November, as we honor and remember the lives lost to traffic violence, we also commit to action. The New Jersey Target Zero Commission is a critical step toward a future where no family must endure this kind of tragedy,” said Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak. “I urge my Senate colleagues to join us in passing bill S361—our communities deserve safe streets, and we cannot afford to wait. Every delay puts lives at risk.”

 “Today, Metuchen was honored to host the World Day of Remembrance event in front of Borough Hall, joining a global movement to remember the lives lost and those injured in traffic violence,” commented Metuchen Mayor Busch. “This solemn event reminds us of the importance of making our streets safer for everyone. Thank you to everyone who attended and shared in this moving ceremony. Together, we can continue striving for safer streets and stronger communities.”

“In the wake of Oscar Zanoni’s tragic death, New Jersey took bold action with one of the nation’s strongest safe passing laws, championed by Senator Diegnan. Now, we are asking the Senate to act again to advance his latest initiative—the New Jersey Target Zero Commission—a crucial step toward eliminating traffic fatalities in our state”, said Metuchen Borough Council President Jason Delia. “With unanimous approval already secured in the Assembly by Assemblyman Karabinchak, it’s time for the Senate to make this lifesaving legislation a reality.”

“Crashes don’t just happen. They are a result of a series of decisions, including the decision to not address a problem. We need the NJ Senate to pass the Vision Zero bill to ensure a coordinated approach to road safety that starts with the premise that no traffic deaths are acceptable,” said Catherine Bull, Families for Safe Streets NJ member

“After losing both my husband and 5 year old daughter in a 100% preventable car crash, it is imperative that we work with our legislators and have the NJ Senate pass bill S361 immediately or more lives will be lost and our loved ones, your loved ones become a number, a statistic when in fact they are so much more, they are living breathing human beings. One death is too many!” said Pam O’Donnell, Families For Safe Streets member, Founder of Catch You Later Foundation

 “My body was dragged 130 feet before the driver of the car finally stopped.  Yet somehow, I survived,” explained Arland Macasieb, Families for Safe Streets NJ member. “We need action now. I don’t want this to happen to anybody else.”

 “The fire service has driven down line-of-duty deaths by placing great value on our lives, and implementing high standards to ensure safety in dangerous working environments.  My life is just as important whether I am fighting a fire, or riding my bike to work. It is time for our transportation policy to reflect how precious every single life is,” said Stephen Dunn, Firefighter/EMT, City of Elizabeth

“The evidence is clear — Vision Zero works. Today, every county in the state is working on a Vision Zero (or equivalent) comprehensive safety action plan. But without a state-level plan we will not be addressing state-controlled roads, where a majority of fatal crashes occur,” said Corey Hannigan, Active Transportation Program Manager at Tri-State Transportation and Chair of the Vision Zero New Jersey Alliance. “Once the Senate passes S361 and the Governor signs it into law, New Jersey will finally be coordinating at all levels of government to redesign the highest-risk roadways in the state and bring this preventable traffic violence epidemic to zero.”

“The courageous families who have shared their stories of loss and tragedy today shine a light on the urgent need to end the traffic violence crisis that has gripped our state. These deaths and injuries are preventable,” said Debra Kagan, Executive Director, New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition. “What is needed now is the political will and leadership to make the necessary changes that will truly get us to Vision Zero in New Jersey. We need to pass S361 and get the Target Zero Commission started without delay.”

Sangeeta Badlani concluded the ceremony, saying “New Jersey has the opportunity to make history as the first state to establish a statewide commission of thirteen agencies to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2040. Let’s not miss this chance. Let’s lead by example and show the nation what’s possible when we commit to saving lives.”