www.pedbikeimages.org / Dan Burden
A number of police departments in New Jersey are going undercover to enforce a law requiring that motorists stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk, not merely yield to them. Pedestrians account for nearly a quarter of traffic fatalities each year in New Jersey, well above the national average. These efforts are about making motorists more aware of pedestrians.
Violators of the law can be fined $200 plus court costs and get two points on their driving record.
New Brunswick is one of 13 communities taking part in “Cops in Crosswalks.” Collingswood is another. These departments have been given grants to fund the program. Read more here.
Read the official announcement from the New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety. The program aims to educate both motorists and pedestrians about their responsibilities.