Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office will be participating with local Ocean County law enforcement agencies in a Goal: Zero statewide high-visibility, county-wide traffic enforcement detail to address the staggering rise in traffic deaths in New Jersey. As of July 21, 2026, 283 people have lost their lives on New Jersey roadways, and 20 of those deaths occurred in Ocean County.
This month’s detail is dedicated to the memory of U.S. Navy Ensign John R. Elliott, an Egg Harbor Township native and United States Naval Academy graduate whose tragic death on July 22, 2000, led to the enactment of New Jersey’s landmark John’s Law. After Ensign Elliott was killed by a drunk driver who had been arrested for DWI earlier that evening – but then released and permitted to return to the road – New Jersey enacted John’s Law which mandates the impoundment of a vehicle for a minimum of 12 hours following a DWI arrest. Ensign Elliott’s legacy continues to save lives by helping to keep impaired drivers off our roads – and serves as a powerful reminder that every drunk driving crash is preventable.
The coordinated traffic enforcement detail will take place throughout the day on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
“The Goal: Zero initiative is about preventing tragedies before they happen. Through high-visibility enforcement, education, and partnerships with our local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, we are sending a clear message that reckless, distracted, and impaired driving will not be tolerated on the roadways of Ocean County. Our goal is a simple one: zero traffic fatalities, zero serious injuries, with every motorist arriving home safely to their loved ones,” Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer stated.
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 color for pedestrian and school safety. The black bar is a mourning band for all the lives lost in traffic crashes.