Police Department - Pedestrian Safety

New Jersey experiences a disproportionate number of pedestrian injury crashes and fatalities compared to the nation as a whole. To combat the problem, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety assists local and county agencies in the development of comprehensive pedestrian safety programs involving Education, Enforcement, and Engineering.

The Education component of the pedestrian program involves getting the pedestrian safety message to all members of the community, with a special emphasis on three high-risk groups: children, senior citizens and non-English speaking residents.

The Enforcement component involves targeted police patrols at high pedestrian-crash locations in the community. During these patrols warnings and summonses are issued to motorists and pedestrians who's actions put pedestrians at risk. "Stop for pedestrian" laws are emphasized.

The Engineering component provides traffic engineering assistance such as enhanced crosswalk striping and signs.

Comprehensive Pedestrian Safety Grants funded by NJDHTS have been very successful. On average, participating municipalities have seen a [20-percent first year] reduction in crashes involving pedestrians.

The most important pedestrian safety message for New Jersey residents is: Pedestrian Safety is a Shared Responsibility.

There is no one cause of crashes involving pedestrians. Pedestrians and motorists must both do their part to keep pedestrians safe.

Pedestrians:

• Always cross at corners, within marked crosswalks where available.
• Look left, right and left again before crossing. Watch for turning cars.
• Always walk facing traffic.
• Obey traffic signals, especially “Walk/Don’t Walk”.
• Remain alert! Don’t assume that cars are going to stop.
• Wear reflective clothing when walking at night.
• Stay sober. Walking while impaired greatly increases your chances of being struck.

Motorists:

• Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Failure to stop carries a $230 (court costs additional) fine & 2 point license penalty (39:4-36).
• Watch for pedestrians when turning right on red.
• Obey speed limits.
• Do not block or park in crosswalks.
• Keep your windshield clean for maximum visibility.
• Be alert for pedestrian at all times.

Children and senior citizens are at a higher risk of being struck by a motor vehicle. Special emphasis must be made to educate children and seniors about the importance of walking safely.

Children:

• Cross at intersections only.
• Never cross from in-between parked cars.
• Before crossing, look left, right and left again and listen for traffic.
• Always walk facing traffic.
• Wear light colored or reflective clothing at night.
• If there is no sidewalk available, walk as far off the roadway as possible on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.

Seniors:

• Walk on sidewalks and cross only at corners, within marked crosswalks.
• Always walk facing traffic.
• Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing, especially at night.
• Look left, right and left again before crossing and be on the lookout for turning vehicles.
• Make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of a vehicle.
• Learn the proper use of “Walk/Don’t Walk” signals.
• Use the buddy system. Walk and cross with others when possible.
• If possible do not walk at night or during bad weather such as snow, rain or ice.

-Courtesy of the NJ Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Highway Traffic Safety. CLICK HERE to visit there site.