Here’s When Montclair’s Pedestrian-Car Strikes Are Most Likely To Happen: Officials

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Do you drive in Montclair between the hours of 3 and 9 p.m.? If so, township officials have some information that can help you save someone’s life.

“Now that Daylight Saving Time has ended, many commuters are returning home from work after dark which is historically the most dangerous time for people walking,” Montclair township officials stated on Tuesday.

According to town officials, from January 2013 to December 2015, about 45 percent of pedestrian-vehicle crashes occurred between the hours of 3 and 9 p.m.

Wednesdays and Thursdays were the days with the highest number of crashes in Montclair and the months of December and January showed the highest reported numbers of pedestrian crashes, according to Township Engineer Kimberli Craft.

“Montclair Township strongly urges people driving in town to slow down; especially after dark when pedestrians are most at risk,” said Montclair Police Traffic Bureau Commander Stephanie Egnezzo.

“We remind drivers to slow down and be on the lookout for people crossing the street – especially on bus routes like Grove Street and Valley Road.”

Bus commuters are cautioned to wait for the bus to pull off before crossing the street, Egnezzo said. In addition, stepping from behind a stopped bus may cause a collision if a driver doesn’t see you in time to stop or stops short.

“It’s the law to yield to pedestrians but in order to do so safely, the pedestrian has to be seen," Egnezzo said. "We encourage pedestrians to make sure they can be seen by drivers when crossing the street. Simple measures like carrying a flashlight or using the flashlight app on your cell phone can help make you more visible when walking in or near the road.”

• See related article: New Committee Aims to Curb Pedestrian Accidents
• See related article: Pedestrian Struck Near Montclair Border
• See related article: Near Crash In Montclair Has Mom Calling For 4-Way Stop Sign At North Willow, Claremont

Photo: Eric Kiefer

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