Fair Lawn Police Kicking Off Year-Long Pedestrian Safety Campaign

FAIR LAWN, NJ – Police in Fair Lawn are kicking off a year-long effort Thursday to reduce crashes involving pedestrians and motor vehicles.

The department will be conducting a Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety education campaign, which is a collaborative effort between public, private and non-profit organizations, according to Police Chief Glen Cauwels.

During the campaign, local officers will be enforcing pedestrian laws and working with several partners, such as area businesses, religious institutions and schools, he said. Educational materials will be on display throughout the community and officers will distribute safety information, the chief added.

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 Cauwels.

Pedestrians comprised 29 percent (183 people) of the 624 people killed in crashes in New Jersey in 2017, nearly double the national average of 16 percent, according to the most recent data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Admionistration (NHTSA).

New Jersey ranks 13th in the nation in pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people. On average, one pedestrian is killed every two days in New Jersey and 12 are injured daily, data shows.

Launched in 2013,Street Smart NJ is one of many initiatives in New Jersey working to help the state reach its goal of zero pedestrian fatalities.

The campaign reminds people that everyone has a role to play in making our streets safer. Drivers need to obey speed limits and stop for people crossing; people walking need to use crosswalks (marked and unmarked) and cross with the signals; and everyone needs to avoid distractions.

"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. We are very proud of the strides we have made and will continue to work to make Fair Lawn an even more pedestrian- friendly community,” Fair Lawn Mayor Kurt Peluso said.

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