News

Aug 20, 2009

Police Agencies in Southern New Jersey Participate in Pedestrian Decoy Program

Law enforcement agencies in Southern New Jersey will be participating in a month-long public awareness and education initiative designed to educate New Jersey motorists about safely sharing the road with pedestrians, Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director Pam Fischer announced today.

Known as "Cops in Crosswalks," the initiative will be run by 17 police agencies in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, and Gloucester Counties, August 17 through September 13, 2009. Undercover police officers, acting as pedestrians, are placed at crosswalks throughout a community. Motorists who fail to yield to the undercover officers crossing the street are stopped and either warned or ticketed by uniformed officers a short distance away.

Funded through federal grants of $4,000 provided to each participating police agency by the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, the effort was piloted in northern New Jersey in 2008, and has been expanded to towns throughout the state during the past year. Participating police agencies include: in Atlantic County, Northfield, Somers Point, Longport, Pleasantville, Ventnor City, Linwood, and the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office; in Burlington County, Burlington City; in Camden County, Cherry Hill, Collingswood, and Pennsauken; in Cumberland County, Vineland; in Cape May County, North Wildwood, the Cape May County Sheriff's Office, Ocean City, and Sea Isle City; and in Gloucester County, Rowan University.

Fischer noted that each year in New Jersey, approximately 150 pedestrians are killed in traffic-related crashes. However, through the first seven months of 2009, the number has been increasing significantly, prompting officials to further heighten the public's awareness of the importance of sharing responsibility for safety on the roads.

"Sadly, the number of pedestrians who have lost their lives in our state this year is up nearly 40 percent. As of August 8th, 102 pedestrians have lost their lives in traffic-related crashes, compared to 78 during the same time period last year," Fischer said. "To ensure the safety of all roadway users, motorists and pedestrians must remain alert at all times, and take personal responsibility for their actions."

According to a Fairleigh Dickinson University PublicMind motorist poll, conducted annually in partnership with the Division, motorists know they must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk, yet many fail to do so. Motorists violating this law face a $100 fine, plus court costs and fees, and two points on their driving record.

"We know that many drivers are distracted and often in a hurry to get to their destination," Fischer added. "But failing to pay attention and reduce your speed when approaching a crosswalk can be deadly. When you're behind the wheel and nearing an intersection, slow down and be on the look-out for both children and adults who may unexpectedly appear in your path."

Emphasizing that pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility, Fischer noted that pedestrians must also take due care and cross streets lawfully and carefully.

"It's important to remember that once you park and exit your vehicle, you become a pedestrian, too," Director Fischer added. "By adhering to a few simple rules, pedestrians can ensure they stay safe and protected both in and out of the crosswalk."

The Division offers the following safety tips for pedestrians:

• Wear bright-colored, reflectorized clothing, especially at night.
• Walk on sidewalks or paths and always cross at the corner, within marked crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and make eye contact with motorists.
• Never cross mid-block (unless within a marked crosswalk), between parked cars or by climbing over median barriers.
• Look left, then right and left again before crossing, and always be on the look-out for turning vehicles.
• Continue to look for vehicles while crossing, even when in marked crosswalks.
• Learn the proper use of "walk/don't walk" signals and obey them.
• Walk and cross with others, when possible.
• Do not attempt to cross while talking or texting on a cell phone.
• Try not to walk at night or in bad weather, such as rain, snow or ice.
• If you drink alcohol, have someone escort you to your front door.