Traffic Safety: "Nikhil's Law" Passed In Honor Of Essex County Youth
The tragic death of 11-year-old Nikhil Badlani inspires a simple but heartfelt NJ law.
n honor of the memory of West Orange 11-year-old Nikhil Badlani, New Jersey legislators passed a bill on Aug. 4 that is designed to “emphasize to new drivers the importance of following the state’s motor vehicle traffic laws.”
Badlani – an exemplary student and aspiring musician – was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident involving a driver who ran a stop sign on the South Orange/Maplewood border near South Mountain Reservation.
- See related article: West Orange Child Dies in Car Accident
- See related article: Obituary: Nikhil Badlani, A Talented and Brilliant Student
The new legislation - dubbed “Nikhil’s Law” – will require the MVC commissioner, in consultation with the Nikhil Badlani Foundation, to include in the MVC driver’s manual information explaining the dangers of failing to follow the state’s motor vehicle traffic laws.
This information must provide interested drivers with instructions on how to take the “STOP for Nikhil” pledge. [See below]
The legislation also requires the commissioner to ensure that drivers have the option of taking the pledge by filling out a standard form made available at MVC offices or by following instructions on the appropriate website.
Nikhil’s Law was sponsored by Assembly Democrats John McKeon, Charles Mainor, Mila Jasey, Benjie Wimberly and Shavonda Sumter.
“Having seen so much potential in so many young people as a teacher, a father and a football coach, knowing that Nikhil’s family and the West Orange community lost a child with great promise in this tragic way just breaks my heart,” said Wimberly (D-Bergen/Passaic). “For the safety of individual drivers as well as entire neighborhoods across New Jersey, it’s critical that we take the time to educate our youth on traffic safety.”
NIKHIL’S PLEDGE
“In order to ensure the safety of others on the road, passengers in my car, and myself as a driver, I pledge to obey traffic laws while operating a motor vehicle, be extra cautious, and be attentive to traffic signs and signals and road conditions.”
“I will come to a complete stop at every ‘stop’ sign or red traffic light, and will not proceed through a red traffic light.”
“I will stay alert, keep two hands on the steering wheel whenever possible, and keep my mind on the road.”
“I will talk safely by using a hands-free wireless telephone while driving if I am of lawful age to do so and refrain from texting while driving.”
“I will plan ahead and leave enough time to arrive at my destination.”
Photo 1: Emergency responders clean up wreckage from the crash that claimed the life of 11-year-old West Orange resident Nikhil Badlani.
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