WEST ORANGE, NJ - The fifteenth annual Stop for Nikhil raised over $55,000 for Traffic Safety, scholarships, and more at the Nikhil Badlani Foundation's event held at West Orange High School on Sept. 21.

On June 11, 2011, 11-year-old Nikhil Badlani was killed in a car crash close to home by a distracted driver. In response to the incomprehensible tragedy, his parents, Sangeeta and Sunil Badlani formed the Nikhil Badlani Foundation, which focuses on traffic safety, providing scholarships for graduating seniors, and music education. In the fifteen years since NBF was formed, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised, and what began in West Orange has expanded into other school districts. Perhaps most importantly, the passionate efforts of NBF and students on the NBF Traffic Safety Youth Advisory Board have influenced legislators to approve several law to improve traffic safety. In 2015, New Jersey saw the passage of Nikhil's Law, including the Pledge for Nikhil:

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.  Specifically:

     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; and I will plan ahead and leave enough time to arrive at my destination."

NBF was also instrumental in:

• Passing the nation's first Target Zero Commission law—Establishing a commission with 13 members from state agencies and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to collaborate on developing a comprehensive, data-driven action plan to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2040. 
• Launching Families for Safe Streets NJ – Partnered with Tri-State Transportation Campaign to support families and victims of traffic crashes, providing services and a platform to channel grief into action.
• Educating 10,000 students across 39 NJ high schools – Through the innovative Drivers Ed Through Art program, which integrates social and emotional learning, students create traffic safety murals that are permanently displayed in their schools. 
• Founding the Traffic Safety Youth Advisory Board at West Orange High School – Empowered students to make a difference in their communities, successfully advocating for a law requiring drivers under 21 to log 50 supervised practice hours (including 10 at night) before obtaining a probationary license. The program has expanded to Burlington City High School, and the goal is to expand it to all 21 counties in New Jersey.

Several notable guest speakers attended the Sept. 21 Stop for Nikhil, which featured a 5K bike run, a 5K run, a 5K walk, and a Kid's Fun Run. Participants enjoyed Bollywood dancing, warm-ups, raffles, breakfast, artwork, vendors, and more. Senator John McKeon, Rep. LaMonica McIver, NJ Department of Transportation Commissioner Fran O'Connor, Essex County Commissioner Len Luciano, a representative from Senator Mikie Sherrill's office, and West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney addressed participants. Middlesex County traffic safety advocate Wendy Kukowski received the Nikhil Badlani Inspiration Award.

In addition, many West Orange students, Superintendent Hayden Moore, WOHS Principal Oscar Guerrero, teachers, board members, and administrators attended Stop for Nikhil.

Despite the incredible successes of the Nikhil Badlani Foundation, life remains bittersweet for the Badlanis, who remember their son Nikhil every day.  Sangeeta Badlani addressed the crowd and noted,

"When I look around, I’m reminded that we are not alone on this journey. Today, we gather with purpose—to run, walk, and bike in honor of lives tragically cut short in preventable crashes. Each of us carries the power to create change, and together, we can move closer to a future with zero traffic deaths.

And the difference we are making together is real. Over the past 15 years, through your support, we’ve

• Strengthened our safety laws in NJ to keep our young drivers and vulnerable roadusers safe
• Passed the NJ target Zero Commission law, the 1^st in the nation where 15 state agencies are collaborating to develop an action plan to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries in NJ by 2040! 
• Engaged nearly 10,000 students through Drivers Ed Through Art and expanded our Youth Advisory Board from two schools to five—an investment of around $370,000 in traffic safety programs that empower and protect the next generation.
• And awarded academic scholarships totaling $305K to 208 graduating seniors, many 1^st generation college students to pursue higher education.
• We continue to offer music lessons to those in need, and to date, over180 students have benefited from the Music For Nikhil program.

These milestones remind us that while we’ve made great progress, there is still more work to be done—and we can’t do it alone. We are fortunate to have partners who share our commitment to safer streets and champion the changes we fight for every day."

As the sun broke through the early morning clouds, it was almost as if Nikhil was smiling down.

View the race results HERE.

SEE PHOTOS FROM STOP FOR NIKHIL HERE.

Runners at the starting line

Members of the NBF Traffic Safety Youth Advisory Board recite the Safety Pledge

(L-R) WOHS Principal Oscar Guerrero, Sangeeta Badlani, NJDOT Commissioner Fran O'Connor, EC Commissioner Len Luciano, Rep. LaMonica McIver, Union County Connects and NBF Board member Stephen Dunn, Mikey Sherrill's representative Melanie Holmes, NJ Bike and Walk Coalition and Executive Director Debra Kagan, Mayor Susan McCartney 

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(L-R) WOHS Athletic Director Steve Zichella, (Oscar Guerrero daughter), WOHS Principal Oscar Guerrero, Senator John McKeon, Superintendent Hayden Moore, WOHS Conflict Resolution and Student Affairs Coordinator Catherine Connors

Inspiration Award recipient Wendy Kukowski