Fair Lawn Police Launch Street Smart NJ Campaign

FAIR LAWN, NJ — Fair Lawn is joining other police departments across the state by launching a Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety education campaign in 2021, the department announced.

The campaign, according to Police Chief Glen Cauwels, is aimed at reducing pedestrian-involved car crashes.

During the campaign, local police will be enforcing pedestrian laws in Fair Lawn and working with several partners – including local businesses, religious institutions and schools.

"Over the last few years, Fair Lawn has been creating more crosswalks and bike lanes, installing three flashing beacon rapid repeaters per year and putting more crossing guards on our streets. Our Police Department has been amazing at promoting campaigns and ticketing drivers who don’t stop for people in crosswalks. The Council looks forward to working with our Police and community in these efforts," said Mayor Kurt Peluso.

Pedestrian safety is a concern nationwide, but it is particularly important in New Jersey, which the federal government has designated a pedestrian safety focus state for its high rate of fatalities and injuries, according to a news release.

Pedestrians comprised 30 percent (173 people) of the 564 people killed in crashes in 2018, nearly double the national average of 16 percent, according to the most recent data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The statewide Street Smart NJ campaign is managed by the New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), and began in 2013.

Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in helping to promote the Street Smart NJ message in Fair Lawn can contact Captain Joseph Dawicki (201-794-5409, jdawicki@fairlawnpd.com) or Captain Brian LaRosa (201-564- 6175, blarosa@fairlawnpd.com).

To learn more about the campaign, visit bestreetsmartnj.org.