Officials say there have now been 600 traffic-related fatalities in New Jersey so far this year. That’s up more than 15% from one year ago.

To help combat what police call “preventable deaths,” a Holmdel middle school student is helping to spread awareness of the goal to bring these numbers down to zero.

Mahati Kashyap, 13, still has a few years before she gets her driver's license. But she has taken an active part in letting others know to be safe.

“These statistics – they're not just numbers. They are families that are getting affected,” said Kashyap. “I really hope this project gets taken to different districts and I'm really proud that Holmdel was able to be the first to lead this initiative.”

Kashyap designed a boardwalk display at Holmdel’s Indian Hill Elementary School back in June. This week she placed warning signs and reminders to drive safely around the middle and high schools, joining the efforts of Officer Matt Menosky.

“I think it bridges the generational stuff to get the youth involved and bring these issues to light,” said Menosky.

Menosky started the “Goal: Zero” initiative last spring. Towns focused policing efforts on dangerous corridors with the goal of zero crashes, zero injuries and zero deaths.

“Just to see those numbers. It just scratches the surface of the real issue of just how much more we can do,” he said.

Menosky put 70 signs along Holmdel roads marking where a life was lost, dating back to the 1960s.

“Just pay attention, put down your phones, follow the speed limits and just drive,” said Menosky.

“It can only help if we start to drill this in at a young stage as possible,” said Holmdel Schools Superintendent Scott Cascone.

Menoski says anyone who wants to get involved should just stop by town hall and pick up a Goal: Zero card. On the back of the card is a pledge to change your driving habits, be more attentive and set an example for others to follow.

This year’s eighth Goal: Zero-targeted enforcement saw Monmouth County officers stop 2,200 vehicles, issue over 1,400 summonses, including 100 speeding tickets and 100 cell phone tickets and will return in the spring of next year.

For more information on the Goal: Zero initiative, Menosky can be reached by email at 0079@holmdelpolice.org.