Sheriff Joe O'Donoghue says a dedicated traffic unit is working with local police departments to address dangerous driving across Atlantic County, with an emphasis on education as well as enforcement.
ATLANTIC COUNTY, N.J. — Atlantic County Sheriff Joe O'Donoghue says his department has expanded its traffic enforcement efforts throughout the county, working with municipal police departments and the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office to address dangerous driving and improve roadway safety.
During a Wednesday, Sept. 23, appearance on The Don Williams Show on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND, O'Donoghue discussed the Sheriff's Office's dedicated traffic unit and its approach to enforcing motor vehicle laws.
The sheriff said the initiative is designed to address unsafe driving while emphasizing education and voluntary compliance rather than simply issuing tickets.
"We have a fully operative traffic unit, which is enforcing laws all over this county," O'Donoghue said.
He said the unit was established by reassigning existing personnel within the Sheriff's Office rather than increasing the county's budget.
Most Drivers Stopped Do Not Receive Tickets, Sheriff Says
One of the more notable aspects of the initiative is the department's emphasis on educating motorists.
According to O'Donoghue, deputies issue summonses to approximately 18% to 20% of drivers they stop.
That means roughly four out of five motorists stopped by the unit do not receive a summons, based on the sheriff's figures.
Instead, deputies often explain the violation and provide information intended to help drivers understand traffic laws and avoid future violations.
"It's not to punish people. It's to help remind and educate people," O'Donoghue said.
The sheriff described the approach as part of a broader effort to encourage safer driving habits throughout Atlantic County.
The percentages cited by O'Donoghue were not accompanied by a total number of traffic stops or a breakdown of the violations resulting in summonses.
Countywide Cooperation With Local Police
O'Donoghue said the traffic initiative involves cooperation among the Sheriff's Office, Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office and municipal police chiefs.
The sheriff's traffic unit operates throughout Atlantic County, supplementing enforcement efforts by local police departments.
The initiative allows deputies to address traffic violations in multiple municipalities rather than concentrating their efforts in a single community.
O'Donoghue said the department's expanded traffic enforcement capabilities were developed using existing personnel.
The sheriff characterized the unit as fully operational and said its work is part of his department's broader public safety responsibilities.
The interview did not establish a specific launch date for the initiative or provide countywide traffic enforcement totals.
Dangerous Driving and School Bus Safety Among Concerns
During the interview, O'Donoghue discussed several roadway safety concerns, including impaired driving, red-light violations and the importance of protecting children traveling to and from school.
School bus safety was among the issues raised as the sheriff discussed the need for motorists to follow traffic laws and remain alert.
The discussion also touched on the recent death of a young child who was struck by a vehicle while operating a small motorized vehicle in Atlantic City.
The sheriff emphasized the importance of safe driving and awareness of others using the road.
The traffic enforcement initiative is intended to address violations that can place motorists, pedestrians and other road users at risk.
O'Donoghue did not provide statistics establishing whether the initiative has reduced crashes or traffic-related injuries.
Education Remains a Priority
O'Donoghue said the Sheriff's Office wants motorists to understand that the traffic unit's purpose extends beyond issuing summonses.
By explaining violations and providing educational information during traffic stops, deputies aim to encourage drivers to correct unsafe behavior.
The sheriff said the relatively low percentage of stops resulting in summonses reflects that approach.
At the same time, the unit continues to enforce motor vehicle laws throughout the county.
The Sheriff's Office has not released comprehensive figures detailing the total number of stops, warnings, summonses or arrests associated with the initiative.
O'Donoghue said his department will continue working with local law enforcement agencies to address traffic safety concerns across Atlantic County.
Atlantic County Sheriff Joe O'Donoghue discussed the countywide traffic enforcement initiative during an appearance on The Don Williams Show on News Talk 1400 and 92.3 WOND. The program airs Monday through Friday from 6 to 10 a.m.
About the Author
Scott Stephens
Scott has been an on-air personality, producer and newscaster for 30+ years. He has been a mainstay in the South Jersey Community and on the air across many different area stations. Scott can currently be heard on Kool 98.3 and News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.
