Crosswalk sign. (Credit: Robert Couse-Baker/Flickr)
After a rash of accidents that have cost the lives of pedestrians so far in 2025, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has decided to create its own iteration of “Goal Zero,” a nationwide effort to reduce accidents between vehicles and pedestrians. An enforcement detail involving multiple law enforcement agencies will be held Thursday, officials announced alongside the creation of the program.
“Our mission is not to maximize citations, but to minimize loss of life,” said Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer. “Goal Zero serves as a means to achieve safer roadways, with the ultimate goal of reaching zero fatalities and serious injuries. Every life saved is the true measure of success.”
As of April 15, 2025, 140 individuals have lost their lives on New Jersey roadways; 16 of those deaths occurred in Ocean County. Billhimer characterized the increase in pedestrian deaths so far in 2025 as “staggering.”
Authorities announced that this Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 3 to 7 p.m., police officers from Toms River, Berkeley, Lakehurst and Manchester will focus their attention on State Highway 37. “Goal Zero” traffic details will be conducted on the last Thursday of every month from March through September, Billhimer additionally announced.
According to the announcement from the prosecutor’s office, Holmdel Township Patrolman Matt Menosky was the catalyst behind the 2024 Goal: Zero campaign, which brought together 36 municipalities to target dangerous driving behaviors. The bright green color of the Goal: Zero logo represents high visibility and is the official color for pedestrian and school safety. The black bar represents a mourning band for all lives lost as a result of senseless traffic crashes.
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