Beginning April 1, 2010, motorists who see pedestrian(s) in a crosswalk MUST
STOP and stay STOPPED (NJ Statute 39:4-36).
Failure to observe the law may subject you to one or more of the following:
- 2 POINTS
- $200 FINE (plus court costs)
- 15 DAYS COMMUNITY SERVICE
- INSURANCE SURCHARGES
The NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety suggests that pedestrians and motorists follow these rules:
Pedestrians:
- Always cross at corners, within marked crosswalks where available.
- If crossing in other locations, yield the right of way to vehicles. Failure to obey the law carries a $54 fine (court costs additional; C.39:4-32, 33)
- 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 $200 (court costs additional) fine, a 2 point license penalty, 15 days community service, and insurance surcharges. (C.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 where available.
- If crossing in other locations, yield the right of way to vehicles. Failure to obey the law carries a $54 fine (court costs additional; C.39:4-32, 33)
- 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.
Related article:?NJ Pedestrian Legislation Signed by former Governor Cozine