All Garwood Residents Eligible For Free Safety Vests

GARWOOD, NJ — Garwood has expanded the reflective safety vest program so that all residents can now request a free vest to improve their visibility with motorists while walking at night.

The program was initially launched last month for senior citizens only. Since the launch, the Garwood Police Department and Garwood Police Commissioner and Councilman Michael Ince have distributed nearly 50 free reflective safety vests.

Seniors were targeted in the first phase of the public safety program because they are at higher risk for pedestrian fatalities.

"I'm excited to see that this important public safety program is expanding to include all residents in the Borough," Mayor Sara Todisco said. "I hope that the demand for these reflective safety vests remains high and that all of us living in the Borough continue to do what we can to protect ourselves and prevent tragedies."

The launch of the programs follows two tragic deaths in the community last year. On Dec. 2, 2020, Catherine Flint, 81, from Garwood was fatally hit by a car while crossing the street. On Jan. 30, 2020, Nedra I. Clark, 65, from Garwood also died from her injuries she got when she was hit by a car while walking in a crosswalk.

During her annual state-of-the-borough address, Todisco said public safety was her top priority for 2021.

"Public safety remains a top priority for the Borough," said Todisco. "Wearing reflective materials when outside after dark can help to prevent tragedies."

According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 76 percent of pedestrian fatalities are at night, and 22 percent of all pedestrian fatalities were 65 and older.

The organization recommends that pedestrians wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Residents can request a reflective safety vest by visiting the Garwood Police Department headquarters at 403 South Ave. by ringing the dispatch bell within the vestibule, or contacting
Police Commissioner and Councilman Michael Ince at mince@garwood.org.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.