SJTSALOGO.gif (16520 bytes)SJTSA
Serving Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland,
and Salem Counties

 

            Established 1998                                      

GENERAL INFO
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Minutes of the General Membership Meeting
November 14, 2000, 10:30 a.m.
911 Communication & Training Center, Bridgeton, NJ

 Teresa Thomas opened the meeting at 11:00 a.m.

Officer Mike Bernard lead the National Anthem.

Minutes

Teresa referenced the minutes of the August 8th Executive Board and General Membership meetings. She went on to review the Special Meeting Minutes of September 21st and added additional information.

In an attempt to promote Child Passenger Seat Safety the Executive Board has developed the Child Passenger Safety Seat Inspection Campaign. The goal of the campaign is to organize a coordinated effort throughout the four counties to provide child passenger safety seat inspections on a continuing basis. For this to occur we need additional certified technicians. A new class has been scheduled for January 15-19 at the Canale Training Center in Egg Harbor Twp. A second class will be held April 16-20 here at the 911 Communication & Training Center. The class is four days with a test and Check Up Event on the fifth day. Registrations forms will go out to the Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs throughout the four counties. Anyone interested may contact Teresa at 856-794-1941 to register. Space is limited to 25 per class.

The Executive Board voted to support Assembly Bill No. 377, prohibiting the use of unmarked police vehicles for routine traffic stops. Opinions were sought from the New Jersey Police Traffic Officers Association, the Sheriffs Association and the State Police. All are opposed to this legislation.

Ongoing Business

Lt Terruso updated the Alliance members on the Aggressive Driving Campaign. The last Detail took place on Friday, September 1st and included Brigantine, Linwood, Avalon, Lower Twp, Margate City, Sea Isle City, West Wildwood, Ventnor, and Millville Police Departments and Buena Vista, AC Expressway, Woodbine, Bridgeton, and Port Norris State Police. Detail totals were 19 units, 65 man hours, 70 summons, 59 other contacts, and 6 drunk driving arrests. To date the Aggressive Driver Campaign has had three details totaling 106 units, 405 man hours, 441 summons, 262 other contacts and 10 drunk driving arrests. The next and last Detail for the year 2000, is Wednesday, November 22, 2000, for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

 Lt Terruso talked about a symposium he will be attending December 7&8 in Miami Florida. It is sponsored by the National Justice Association to address legislation regarding the Aggressive Driver. The court systems have come to a halt because of so much fact finding. Most cases arent even prosecuted anymore they are settled. The aggressive driver is cited under the reckless driving statute and those attending the symposium will be looking at a statute specifically for the aggressive driver. Lt Terruso went on to talk about Assembly Bill No. 377, prohibiting the use of unmarked police vehicles for routine traffic stops. The State Police use to use them in their Aggressive Driving Details to catch persistent violators but stand to loose that ability with this particular legislation.

 

Presentations

Dr. Claudia Knezek, Rutgers University
Police Work Zone Safety

Dr. Knezek handed out a Work Zone Safety Booklet that shows typical applications for setting up cones etc. She spoke about her career, the various programs she has taught, and then discussed what is going on with work zone safety today.

There has been a real push nationally to make people aware of this issue. The Federal Highway Administration started an awareness campaign which took place the first week of April 2000. For 2001 there will be National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, April 9th. The message is slow down, these are people, with family and friends, just doing their job. Nationally there have been 840 deaths related to work zone violations. The National Average is 12 deaths a year. Recently New Jersey figures dropped from 9.5 a year to 5.4 a year. NJ is the most heavily congested State in the Nation. Other States are looking to see what we are doing to bring our figures down.

New Jersey goes beyond the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) National Standards. There are state requirements on local and state roads. The Department of Transportation requires a Traffic Control Coordinator on State roads. This person is certified and all that do is make sure the work zone is set up according to standards. On the municipal and local level the police officers, road departments and engineers must be trained.

Believing the key is ENFORCEMENT, the New Jersey Police Traffic Officers Association (NJPTOA) , in association with the Center for Infrastructure Advancement at Rutgers University, has created the TRAIN THE TRAINER Series to teach the requirements. Since the program is run at the NJPTOA headquarters in Somerville, the participation form South Jersey has been low. Thus, Dr. Knezek volunteered to present to program for free if the Alliance could provide a central location. The members overwhelming approved this concept and authorized Teresa to work with Dr Knezek on the details.

Question-Are you involved with the Traffic Engineering Courses?

Answer-Yes. There is also a Traffic Technician for Police Officers course which the Train the Trainer Series counts toward.

Al Tindal, Program Specialist, NJDHS, 609-633-9028
New Initiatives

Money is available for signs and traffic markings. Municipalities and police departments need to get together and identify a problem area, supply backup and solutions. Backup would consists of surveys, traffic counts, incident reports etc. The only requirement is that after the signs or markings are installed there is 2 hours of patroling. This helps assess how they are interpreted and if they are obeyed.

There is a new item, thermoplaster, that is very reflective, dry in 5 minutes to travel on and holds up for 10 years. While its drying glass can be thrown on top for added reflective power.

Sharane Orendas, NJDHS, followed up on Mr Tindals presentation by acknowledging that the Year 2000 Safety Needs Assessment Survey can help document some of these needs. She reminded everyone to complete their form and send it back.

Joe Williams
Cumberland and Salem Counties Intoxicated Driving Resource Center

Mr. Williams is Executive Director of the National Counsel of Alcoholism and Drug Dependency. They contract with Cumberland and Salem Counties for the IDRC program which serves as an alcohol, tobacco and other drugs prevention resource center. There are 19 IDRCs throughout New Jerseys 21 counties.

The goal of the IDRC is to contain those individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol, educate them about their affects, and evaluate them. Statistics show that by providing good, sound, and accurate information about drinking, driving, and drugs and how it affects them and their lives, they will draw from that information the next time they are in a similar situation.

The IDRC runs programs for first, second, third and subsequent offenders. Through the Office of Highway Safety they are able to utilize fatal vision goggles to emphasize how intoxicated an individual was. A class average is .15 BAC.

At the end of the program participants are asked questions to determine the need for further treatment or counseling. Other factors taken into affect are # of DUIs, blood alcohol level of .2 or higher, and other drug offenses. If recommended for further treatment the participant is given some options. There is 16 week of 1 ½ hours of education at a counseling center or a rehabilitation detox center. If they choose the later, they step down to an IOP program (Intensive Out Patient) which is a 12 week, 9 hours a week program and then an Aftercare Program. No matter which program they choose, all participants recommended for further counseling are required to attend a 12 step program like Alcoholics Anonymous.

Third and multiple offenders are the ones with a serious drinking problem.

Sgt Don Chafin, Pennsville Police Department
Deputizing Traffic Safety Inspectors

Back when the primary seat belt law went into effect we decided to solicit the help from some of our students in promoting seatbelt safety. Sgt Ralph Law, our DARE officer and I gave brief presentations on seatbelt safety to fifth graders. Then we asked them to help us and become "Seatbelt Safety Inspectors" and handed out the badges. We asked them to spread the word about seatbelt safety and gave them a form to have people sign pledging to wear their seatbelts. Adding a little competition we said the one with the most signatures in each class would get a prize. At the time we had some DARE mugs, pencils etc.

Our school liaison called to tell us some of the kids were up to hundreds of signatures. Deciding a DARE mug was not sufficient we reached out to our local Wal-Mart which provided some very nice prizes.

Teresa then read off the results of the Year 2000 New Jersey Seat Belt Observational Survey. The current seat belt usage in NJ is 74.2% up from 63.3% in 1999. The survey is random so only Atlantic and Cumberland were included. Atlantic rose from 60.1% to 72.3% while Cumberland rose from 45.1% to 62%.

 

 

 

n Timothy Chelius, SJTPO

Year 2000 Safety Needs Assessment Survey

Mr. Chelius followed up on what Sharane said earlier but from the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organizations (SJTPO) perspective. The SJTPO will include the results in its Regional Transportation Plan Update that will provide the documentation for capital purchases like the radar units that were previously purchased.

 

 

Legislation

Teresa informed the general membership that the Executive Board had tabled Assembly Bill No. 2045 - authorizing use of photo radar devices for enforcement purposes on certain local streets, Assembly Bill No. 1070 - revising Safe and Secure Communities program; reconstitutes panel; appropriates $9 million, and Assembly Bill No. 1412 - prohibiting the sale, distribution or installation of nonoperational air bags.

 

Instead they had voted to support Assembly Bill No. 2805 - requiring scooter riders under 14 years old to wear helmets and Assembly Bill No. 2125 and Assembly Committee Substitute - amending the graduated drivers license (GDL) law and the 10-year drivers license law.

The Executive Board approved the meeting date for 2001. They are Tuesdays, February 20, May 13, August 21 and November 20. Sgt Chafin volunteered Salem County for February 20 and will check the availability of the FOP lodge.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.

 

Minutes of the General Membership Meeting
August 8, 2000, 10:30 a.m.
Avalon Borough Hall

Teresa Thomas opened the meeting at 10:45 a.m. and welcomed everyone to Avalon, NJ.

Ongoing Business

On display were zipper pulls, reflective dots, and traffic safety inspector badges being given to the Point People for distribution. The items were approved last meeting for the Fall Event - Back to School and Halloween Safety.

Also displayed were reflective wrist bands purchased by Salem County. They Executive Board approved the purchase of 5,000 for the Alliance. They also approved the purchase of an additional 5,000 traffic safety inspector badges for the Spring.

Lt Terruso updated the Alliance members on the Aggressive Driving Campaign. Both the May 26 and June 30 Details were successful, with the May 26 Detail including 30 departments. Year to dates are:

95 units, 340 man hours, 370 summons, 203 other contacts, and 4 drunk driving arrests.

The next detail is Friday, September 1, 2000, for the Labor Day Weekend.

Presentations

Ptl Marc Romantino, Egg Harbor Twp Police Department
Neighbors Encouraging Traffic Safety (NETS)

The Egg Harbor Twp Police Dept has a new program known as NETS. It is designed to get residents involved in community safety in their neighborhoods. Residents complaining of speeders are given hand held radar units and given instruction on taking down the required information, such as time of day, direction and tag number. They are not to approach anyone themselves but to give this information to the police department who will contact the speeder.

In addition to the community relations aspect, the data ascertained can be used to determine if a speed limit change or some other safety feature is appropriate. Anyone interest in more information may contact Patrolman Romantino at 609-222-2222.

Al Outland, AAA
The Role of AAA, services and supplies available

Mr. Outland spoke about the organization itself saying there are five districts in the State of New Jersey, and South Jersey is the 5th largest AAA in the U.S. AAA is a not for profit organization with a Foundation or Safety and Research supported by dues. They are IRS certified; therefore contributions are tax deductible and they offer AAA Insurance. They offer free videos and brochures. Available at the meeting were reflective halloween bags and back to school signs.

Marlene Atkins, Principal Highway Safety Specialists
Carseats on School Buses

Mrs. Atkins showed the members a kit that was going out to all schools via the County Superintendents. The video was showed to the members.

As an FYI Marlene informed the members that graduated licenses were pushed back to January 1, 2001.

 

Legislation

On recommendation from the Executive Board the General Membership voted to support the legislative items below.

A1325 - Permits municipalities and counties to install in-street pedestrian right-of-way signs under State guidelines.

ACR121 - Memorializes Congress to enact legislation which encourages states to adopt .08% BAC as the legal measure of intoxication.

A1041 - Reduces blood alcohol level at which a person is considered to be guilty of drunk driving from 0.10% to 0.08%.

A875 - Expands scope of implied consent for BAC testing to include certain underaged drivers.

S67 - Prohibits driving while under the influence of inhalants or other substances containing toxic fumes or vapors.

On recommendation from the Executive Board the General Membership voted to oppose the legislative items below.

AR26 - Urges enforcement of vehicular pursuit policy and an investigation by the Attorney General of pursuits in death or serious injury

A2487 - Requires cell phone use to be noted in traffic accidents.

S757 - Imposes minimum additional period of suspension for driving while license or registration is revoked.

See Executive Board Minutes for details.

Legislation Update

S692 - Signed by the Governor/effective immediately - Prohibits possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on private property by persons under legal drinking age.

A2465 - Signed by the Governor/effective immediately - Creates new motor vehicle offense, clarifies municipal prosecutors duties concerning plea agreements.

A552 Amendments Passed - Regulates operation of motorized scooters & skateboards.

A2125 - Amends graduated drivers license law and 10 year drivers license law.

Open Discussion

Sergeant Clarke, Atlantic City Police Dept, said the ACPD was trading in its Harley bikes for BMW K1100's. He said they are an enhanced bike with ABS brakes and antidive mechanism. Since Atlantic City has already gone out for bid and done the RFPs, anyone interested may contact him for copies and information at 609-347-5780.

Patrolman Marc Romantino, Egg Harbor Twp PD, voiced concern about a loophole allowing DUI people on other "stuff" to refuse testing. After some discussion it was suggested that the Alliance ask the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center to address the Alliance on what is currently in place and how it is working.

Joan Sooy, general member, voiced concern about A2465 to downgrade traffic offenses. Chairman Barruzza said the Executive Board would look into it.

Subsequently signed into law on July 24, 2000, the bill creates a new motor vehicle violation offense making it unlawful for any person to drive a motor vehicle in an unsafe manner likely to endanger a person or property. It also supplements recently enacted P.L. 1999, c349 (C2B:-1et.seq) concerning the duties and responsibilities of municipal prosecutors to clarify that a prosecutor may at any time move before the municipal court to accept a plea to a lesser or other defense than was originally charged.

Sgt Barry Wythe, AC Prosecutors Investigator, informed the members that a Crash I Class was scheduled for September 18-24 and there were three openings. Anyone interested should see him before leaving. He was also interested to know whether people preferred the Collision Crash Course Level I or II because he was planning to schedule one of those.

Locations for the next meeting were discussed. Sheriff Barruzza volunteered Cumberland County and will confirm exact location later.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

 

 

Minutes of the General Membership Meeting
May 2, 2000, 10:30 a.m.
Atlantic County Prosecutors Office

Barry Wythe opened the meeting at 10:45 a.m. and welcomed everyone to the new, temporary, Prosecutor's Office. He acknowledged and welcomed Assemblyman Ken LeFevre and Avalon Mayor Marty Pagliughi. Then he turned the meeting over to Teresa Thomas.

Teresa Thomas acknowledged and introduced newly appointed Executive Board Members Michael Bernard, Lower Alloway Police Department and Don Chafin, Bridgeton Police Chief.

 

She reviewed the items on the table that included: a list of the executive board member with addresses and phone number, the Safety First newsletter, the SJTPO On The Go newsletter, a draft press release identifying newly certified child safety restraint technicians, a newspaper article about additional training for Special Law Enforcement Officers, an article about Ford distributing booster seats and a article about the Hamilton Twp Police Departments Bike Rodeo.

 

Ongoing Business

Teresa reminded everyone that May is bicycle safety month and the Alliance's Spring Activity. She congratulated Northfield Police Department for an excellent event Saturday, March 25, and announced the Hamilton Twp Police Department's and Salem County's Bike Rodeos Saturday, May 13 and Cumberland County's June 7, tentatively. Items being distributed by the Alliance are coloring posters, bicycle reflectors, balloons, pens and key chains. They were available at the meeting for those police departments conducting bicycle safety events.

 

New Business

The Fall Activity will be Back to School and Halloween Safety. The Alliance is looking into purchasing zipper reflectors, reflective stickers and pencils. The remaining budget is limited so quantities may be limited.

 

Presentations

LPatrolman Marc Romantino, Egg Harbor Twp Police Department, discussed the hazards and dangers to drivers from road crews working along the roadways. A short film and effective commercial ads were shown and are available for use.

 

Chris Rotondo, Special Agent, Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration
The Role of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration was established within the Department of Transportation January 1, 2000, pursuant to the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. The primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries. The FMCS ensures that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations are enforced by performing compliance reviews, enforcement activities, and roadside inspection activities. It collects and disseminates safety data concerning motor carriers; identifies, coordinates and administers research and development to enhance the safety of motor carriers operations, commercial motor vehicles, and commercial motor vehicle drivers; and supports the development of compatible motor carrier safety requirements and procedures throughout North America in the context of the North America Free Trade Agreement.

With the closing of the Interstate Commerce Commission the licensing and insurance responsibility were transferred to the Office of Motor Carrier and now the FMCSA. The Administration develops, issues, and evaluates standards for testing and licensing commercial motor vehicle drivers.

In addition, there is the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program, a Federal grant program, that provides states with financial assistance for roadside inspections and other commercial motor vehicle safety programs. For more information contact Chris Rotondo at 609-637-4222.

Robert Zlotnick, Executive Director, Atlantic Prevention Resources
Matt's Mission, The Life and Death of a Drunk Driving Victim

Matt was a teenager that was killed by a drunk driver. His mother became active against drunk driving and was telling her story around Atlantic County. With the help of Assemblyman Blee, Atlantic Prevention Resources received funding to make a video of Matts mother telling her story. Copies are free but donations are requested to continue production as necessary. Contact Robert Zlotnick at 609-272-0101.

 

Guest Speakers

Assemblyman LeFevre addressed the Alliance speaking about (go-peds) motorized scooters and skateboards. His is sponsoring Assembly Bill No. 552, to regulate these unregistered, unlicenced and uninsured vehicles (see below). He also spoke about two bill he is sponsoring. One to allow retired police officers to register their firearms at a reduced rate and another, A546, providing mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for persons convicted of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

 

Avalon Mayor Pagliughi addressed the Alliance on Senate Bill No. 692, prohibiting the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by a juvenile on private property. He reminded the group about the "Magic Bus" incident last summer that resulted in a $1.5 million class-action settlement. He elaborated on the struggle the bill has had, the work he and others have done, and the amendments required by the Governor.

 

Legislation

S692 - Prohibits possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on private property by persons under legal drinking age. The Executive Board supported this bill. The Alliance supports any action that will reduce juvenile drinking.

A552 - Regulates operation of motorized scooters and motorized skateboards.

The executive board did not support this bill. They decided that police officers already have the ability to cite unregistered, unlicensed and uninsured vehicles on the road as if they were a motorcycle. Traffic officers have been told to issue summons to any such vehicles, including wheelchairs. The legislation also limits the use to private property and designated areas. They feel this is a duplication since they already have the ability to do that.

A622 - Extends period for a judge to issue a summons for illegally passing a school bus and certain other motor vehicle and traffic violations. The executive board supported this bill. They agreed that illegally passing a school bus is a very serious offense and it does take time to identify the driver.

S1428 - Authorizes flashing rear window brake lights.

In general the board supported this bill because they support anything that will promote traffic safety and get the attention of other drivers. However, they did have some questions. After the light flashes three times does it stay on? Are people going to know what it means? Is it be a violation if the light doesn't flash three times? As of what date does it go into effect?

S532 - Exempts certain motorcycle operators from helmet law.

The executive board adamantly opposed this bill. They don't believe the number of year someone has been riding has any bearing of whether someone should wear a helmet. All motorcycle riders should wear a helmet.

A539 - Requires certain children to wear seat belts in rear motor vehicle seats.

The executive board agreed that all children, no matter were they sit in a car, should wear a seat belt.

A1076 - Requires children riding tricycles to wear helmets.

The executive board tabled this item.

Open Discussion

Lt Mario Terruso, State Police, reminded the Alliance members of the first Aggressive Driver Detail on Friday, May 26th. Details will be available at the next meeting.

Joan Sooy, general member, reminded everyone of the 16th Annual Mid-Atlantic Region Safety & Health Expo 2000, June 13-14-15 at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. Program schedules were available.

Locations for the next meeting were discussed. Avalon surfaced as a tentative.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m. and lunch was provided by Atlantic County and the Prosecutors Office.

 

Minutes of February 15, 2000
FOP Lodge, Pennsville


Teresa M. Thomas, SJTPO Alliance Liaison opened the meeting at 10:40 a.m.

 

Executive Board Items

Ms. Thomas talked about the Executive Board Meeting held just prior to the meeting. She recognized Richard F. Mulvihill, Director of the Atlantic County Department of Public Safety, as a new Executive Board Member and then announced the newly elected officers.

Chairman - Cumberland County Sheriff Michael F. Barruzza

Vice-Chairman - Cape May County Sheriff James T. Plousis

Second Vice-Chairman - Bridgeton Police Chief Courtlandt C. Turner

Meeting dates for the remainder of 2000 were identified but locations will be determined later. Scheduling these dates in advance allows members to arrange their schedules accordingly. Depending on the location, meeting time will be either 10am or 10:30am with an Executive Board Meeting an hour before. Those dates are: Tuesday, May 2nd, Tuesday, August 8th

and Tuesday, November 14th.

Although Executive Board Meeting minutes were not distributed with the packets for this meeting they were available at the meeting. Future Executive Board Meeting minutes will be distributed with the meeting mailings.

Future meeting notices will be sent out (by mail or by fax) four to six weeks in advance of a meeting. These meeting notices will consist of a preliminary agenda and a response sheet. Those interested in receiving the full packet are to fax back the response sheet. Full packets will not go out until one week before the meeting. This will allow for changes to the agenda up to the last week. Those wishing to receive their notice by fax should contact Teresa Thomas at 856-794-1941 or fax her the information at 856-794-2549.

 

Old Business

Concept plans for sidewalk installation in five areas in the SJTPO and SJTSA region were displayed around the room. The project, known as the Pedestrian Facilities Project Development, includes Smith Avenue in Bridgeton, Main Road in Vineland and various roads in Fairton, all in Cumberland County, Route 9 (New Road) between Tilton Road & Ridgewood Avenue in Northfield Atlantic County, and along Route 130 in Penns Grove in Salem County. Tim Chelius, SJTPO Executive Director, explained that these sidewalks are being funded by Federal money which has public involvement requirements. Mr. Chelius requested that those familiar with any of these areas review the plans and welcomed their input both positive and negative. He then went on to request the Alliance support for the project in general in the form of a letter which he could include in the files. There were no objections.

 

New Business

Approval of By-Laws

The By-Laws were amended to include the Second Vice-Chairman position that was not originally included. There was no discussion and there were no objections.

 

Proposed Initiatives for the 2000 Aggressive Driving Campaign

SFC Mario Terruso, Buena Vista State Police, outlined the dates for the Aggressive Driver Campaign for 2000. Notices will go out to all police departments well in advance. The goal of the Campaign is to reduce the number of motor vehicle accidents, and resulting injuries and fatalities, caused by the Aggressive Driver.

Friday, May 26

Friday, June 30

Friday, September 1

Wednesday, November 22

Sgt Terruso talked about prospective legislation to limit the use of unmarked vehicles, Assembly Bill No. 377. He urged everyone to read the definition carefully. He noted that a lot of police departments have spent a lot of money on stealth and semi marked vehicles and under that definition could loose the ability to use them. He went on to say that we should not allow criminals to dictate how we use our tools for enforcement action. Copy attached.

Sheriff Barruzza talked about a Highway Safety Child Restraint Inspectors Class being held Tuesday, April 4 through Saturday, April 8th at the 911 Building on Bridgeton Avenue, Rosenhayn. The class will end with an actual inspection at the WalMart in Millville. There will only be 15-20 seats available. Those interested should contact Sheriff Michael F. Barruzza at 856-451-4449 ext101.

Marlene Atkins, NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety spoke about a bill to expunge DMV records every five years except for DWI and reckless driving. Copy of Assembly Bill No. 402 is attached.

Barry Wythe, Atlantic County Investigator made the point that it is important to be able to show a history. He went on the say that the aggressive driver campaign would be compromised without that ability.

It was mentioned that the insurance industry has a point system that allows people to work off points to show a change/improvement in driving habits.

Sheriff Barruzza said he would like the ability to look at the driving record of potential and prospective hires at the Sheriff's office.

The Alliance voted to oppose the legislation.

 

Spring Activity- Bicycle Roadeo

Ms. Thomas talked about the Bike Roadeo. She showed a manual/handbook she had ordered, a guide to bike roadeos and some items she will look into ordering such as posters and reflectors.

She said that Debbie Whittaker had taken charge of the Salem County activity so those from Salem County should contact her at 856-299-7082.

She explained that she did the leg work and had tentative locations for Atlantic, Cumberland and Cape May Counties, which were the Shore Mall, Cumberland Mall and Ames in Cape May Courthouse. She asked for sponsors to take the lead.

Russell Bongiovanni from Hamilton Township PD volunteered but requested to have it in his Twp. It was mentioned that Ed Newman from the Northfield PD was having one in Northfield. It was decided that each municipality could do their own thing. Those interested in copies of the the manual and guide should contact Teresa at 856-791-1941. Purchased items will be available at the May 2nd meeting.

 

Legislation

Ms. Thomas informed the members of the Executive Board discussion regarding the bill, Assembly Bill No. 2127, prohibiting the use of a cellular phone while driving. Basically that there were no statistics on just how many crashes/fatalities were caused by using a cellular phone while driving, there is no system in place to track those crashes/fatalities, how many incidents would be cause by people pulling on or off the road to make or take a phone call, is it a primary or secondary law, where does the legislation stop, no eating or drinking in the car, people need to use common sense and that the police already have the ability to pull someone over who is driving erratically. The General Membership agreed to send a letter to that affect.

Sgt Mario Terrusso lead a discussion on recently approved legislation.

Assembly Bill No. 854 - Increases penalties for certain alcohol-related driving offenses, including those in school zones - active December 1999, sentencing tool only.

Assembly Bill Nos. 157 and 2688 - Requires the use of ignition interlock devices on motor vehicles of repeat drunk driving offenders - active January 2000.

Assembly Bill Nos. 2117 and 2126 - Establishes additional penalties for DWI with child as passenger - active January 2000.

Assembly Bill No.1341 - Permits enforcement of the seat belt law as a primary action - active May 1, 2000. It was suggested that the Counties get their variable message signs out with the message as a secondary campaign to the bicycle safety.

Location and Date of next meeting
Tuesday, May 2nd, Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, Hammonton - Lunch may be provided.

 

1173 E. Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360   Tel: 856-794-1941  Fax: 856-794-2549