Point Pleasant Boro's Push To Stop Pedestrian, Bike, Car Crashes

Point Pleasant Boro has been conducting a "Street Smart NJ" pedestrian safety education campaign aimed at reducing pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes in New Jersey.

The Street Smart NJ campaign is a collaborative effort between public, private and non-profit organizations that began in April, officials said.

Local police will be enforcing pedestrian laws in the borough and working with several partners –including Borough Administration and Recreation, Greater Mercer TMA and schools – to educate motorists and pedestrians on their responsibilities to improve pedestrian safety, officials said.

Point Pleasant Borough kicked off its Street Smart NJ campaign on April 27th during the Borough’s Earth Day Celebration at Riverfront Park where following the kickoff, residents were encouraged to complete an online survey to gauge their traffic safety knowledge.

New Jersey ranked 17th in the nation in pedestrian fatalities in 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The federal government has designated New Jersey a “focus” state – placing an extra emphasis on aiding the state in combating its higher-than-average pedestrian fatality rate and providing funding for this campaign.

During the duration of the campaign you will see throughout the community posters, tip cards and other educational materials sponsored by both Greater Mercer TMA and Point Pleasant Boro. Social media and community presentations will be used to help raise awareness about pedestrian safety along with an educational component being administered through the Borough’s Recreation and Police Departments in all of their various programs, officials said.

“Pedestrian safety is a priority for the Borough’s Police Department. We’ll be interacting with motorists to make sure they know and obey the law and stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk,” said Police Chief Richard Larsen. “We’ll also be reminding pedestrians to use crosswalks and cross at intersections.”

Officers will also address speeding and distracted driving and walking, which often contribute to crashes involving pedestrians.

Mayor Robert Sabosik said “this is a great initiative. On top of all of the improvements we’ve already done over the last few years, education is probably the most important. Drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists alike need to know the law and follow it.”

Council President Thulen echoed those sentiments, saying “Education is key. Whether you are young or old, pedestrian safety education is a vital component to having a safer community. I’m very happy the Borough has officially partnered with Greater Mercer TMA and the statewide Street Smart NJ campaign. We want to make sure everyone driving, walking or biking is aware and alert when they are out in our community.”

The statewide Street Smart NJ campaign is managed by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) and began in 2013. The Street Smart campaign focuses on encouraging five key behaviors. Motorists are told to obey the speed limit and stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.

Pedestrians are told to use crosswalks and wait for the walk signal where applicable. And the fifth message, “Heads Up, Phone Down,” reminds everyone to avoid distractions whether they’re driving, biking or walking.

Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in helping to promote the Street Smart NJ message in other parts of the State should contact Greater Mercer TMA, 609 452-1491 or tma@gmtma.org and those that wish to participate in Point Pleasant should contact Borough Administrator Frank Pannucci at fpannucci@ptboro.com.

To learn more about the campaign, visit bestreetsmartnj.org and the Borough of Point Pleasant’s webpage, www.ptboro.com and Facebook Page. The campaign is also on Facebook (StreetSmartNJ) and Twitter (@njstreetsmart).