Police departments along the Jersey Shore are reminding drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to
keep safety in mind when travelling.
The warmer weather and longer days mean more people are out walking and biking. Millions of people visit the Jersey Shore each summer, which means more vehicles on the road. Drivers need to be on alert for pedestrians and cyclists. Avoiding distractions, slowing down and stopping for people crossing will save lives.
Police departments in Long Beach Island, Bradley Beach, Hazlet, Little Silver, Point Pleasant Beach, Monmouth Beach and Toms River are participating in Street Smart NJ. They’re stepping up enforcement of
pedestrian-related laws and distributing educational materials to place an extra emphasis on pedestrian safety.
Campaign materials — including outdoor signs, table tent cards and posters — will be on display in participating communities, reminding drivers and pedestrians to practice safe behaviors when travelling.
Police will be reminding drivers to obey speed limits, stop for pedestrians and avoid distractions. People walking are reminded to use crosswalks, wait for the walk signal or green light before crossing, and to avoid distractions. Officers will also be reminding cyclists to
follow the laws, like riding in the same direction as traffic.
Pedestrian safety is a concern nationwide, but it is particularly important in New Jersey. The federal government has designated New Jersey a pedestrian safety focus state for its high rate of fatalities and injuries. Of the 558 people killed in crashes in New Jersey in 2019, 31.5 percent were pedestrians. That’s nearly double the national average of 17 percent, according to the most recent data available from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Street Smart NJ is one of many
initiatives in New Jersey working to help the state reach its goal of zero pedestrian fatalities.