Speeding crackdown in Hudson County after recent accidents

NORTH BERGEN, New Jersey (WABC) -- Authorities in Hudson County are launching a new initiative to increase safety for drivers and pedestrians on local roadways.

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced the initiation of Operation Slow Down, Save Lives.

The objective is to curb speeding along the roadways in Hudson County, enforce laws that require drivers to yield to pedestrians in walkways, and to prevent jaywalking.

The effort began Tuesday and is expected to continue through the summer months.

Local municipal police departments from Bayonne, Jersey City, Union City, West New York and North Bergen will work in conjunction with the Hudson County Sheriff's Office and the Prosecutor's Office to monitor and enforce laws.

Specific enforcement will take place along John F. Kennedy Boulevard from Bayonne at the southernmost point and span northward concluding in North Bergen.

"Our community has suffered the tragic loss of lives in recent weeks and we must make every effort to ensure pedestrian and motorist safety," Suarez said. "The message we are conveying to drivers on our roads is excessive speeds and distracted driving will not be tolerated."

The announcement follows a string of traffic fatalities in recent weeks, including two teenagers who were struck and killed when a car jumped a curb in North Bergen.