Michael J. Rizol Jr.
Director
Michael J. Rizol Jr. is a seasoned law enforcement veteran with an impressive track record in the field of traffic safety. In March 2023, he was appointed Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS), a critical role in ensuring the safe passage of all roadway users as the State of New Jersey strives to reach its goal of zero roadway fatalities.
As Director of the HTS, Rizol oversees the State and Community Highway Safety Program, which distributes approximately $30 million in federal funding each year to develop and implement a statewide highway safety plan. He also works collaboratively with law enforcement and private sector partners to educate, prevent, and respond to the perils of impaired driving, distracted driving, and other traffic safety-related concerns.
Rizol retired from the New Jersey State Police in 2021. His service included leading the Fatal Accident Investigation Unit and overseeing all State Police traffic programs as a Captain in the Traffic and Public Safety Office. He was also instrumental in many traffic safety and investigative initiatives and served as the chairman of the Motor Vehicle Accident and Vehicular Pursuit Review Board.
Upon his retirement, he founded Equity Reconstruction, providing motor vehicle accident investigation and consulting services. He was also an Academic Specialist at Kean University, where he taught classes to state, county, and municipal police offices in basic and advanced crash investigation. Rizol is a graduate of La Salle University and proud native of New Jersey.