During the month of May, Pennsauken Township Police Department is partnering with the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety and the Cross County Connection to promote “Street Smart NJ,” a pedestrian safety campaign.
From 2015 through 2019, 876 pedestrians were killed on the state’s roads. That translates into one death every 2.4 days. Street Smart NJ emphasizes educating drivers and pedestrians through mass media, as well as targeted enforcement. Police officers focus on engaging and educating, rather than simply issuing citations.
Both drivers and pedestrians alike should be aware of the simple steps they can take to make the roads safer for everyone.
Driver Safety Tips
- Stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks and at intersections
- Slow down and obey the posted speed limit
- Stop and look for pedestrians and bicyclists before turning
- Do not pass vehicles stopped for people crossing in crosswalks and at intersections
- Do not block or park in crosswalks
- Take extra care around buses
- Allow three feet when passing bicyclists
- Eliminate all distractions
- Driver sober
Pedestrian Safety Tips
- Cross at corners and intersections. Use marked crosswalks where available
- Before crossing look left, right, then left again
- Use the pedestrian buttons and begin crossing the street on the walk signal
- Be visible at night and in inclement weather
- Watch out for vehicles turning right on red
- Use sidewalks or walk facing traffic where there are no sidewalks
- When stepping off a bus, allow it to proceed before crossing to ensure a clear sight line
- Walk sober
- Eliminate all distractions
For more information about Street Smart NJ, visit https://bestreetsmartnj.org.
