New Traffic Saftey Program Announced For The First Day Of School In Summit

Summit is reminding both drivers and pedestrians to practice safe street skills as school starts in the town tomorrow, Sept. 8. The city announced their participation in the Street Smart safety program in a press conference this morning, timed to coincide with the beginning of the school year.

The program will include senior driving, teen driving, bicycle and walking to school components during the one month campaign. It will be followed by enforcement of traffic rules and intersection observations to judge the program's success.

"Let's use back to school as a time to change these distracted behaviors and make the Summit streets safe for all," Mayor Nora Radest said at the press conference.

Summit Police Department sent out an email reminding motorists and pedestrians to be cautious on the roads as the school year begins tomorrow. Some helpful tips from the SPD include only crossing roads where there are traffic lights or crossing guards, staying aware of your surroundings walking to and from school, and only dropping children off in designated drop-off areas.

Street Smart is funded by the New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, and coordinated by TransOptions Inc. Other New Jersey towns that have had campaigns include Morristown, Newton and Washington.

The full press conference was live streamed on the City of Summit's Facebook page, and can be watched here.

Image via Shutterstock.

Update (9/07/16): A previous version incorrectly stated the organization funding the program. The New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, not SAFE, is providing funding.