Recent Pedestrian Accidents Are 'Extremely Concerning', Says Summit Mayor

SUMMIT, NJ — In the past week, three pedestrians in Summit were hit by cars while crossing different streets in town — two of them on marked crosswalks.

Mayor Nora Radest said the recent accidents are "extremely concerning" to her and the Summit Police Department.

"I am extremely thankful that no one was seriously injured," Radest said.

The first accident occurred on Sunday when an 81-year-old man was hit by a car while on a crosswalk at the intersection of Mountain Avenue and Larned Avenue.

Then on Monday, a Westfield man was driving south on Orchard Street when he failed to see a 76-year-old Summit man in the crosswalk. The driver was issued a summons at the scene, police said.

Both of these men were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The most recent accident occurred on Wednesday when a 22-year-old Summit man was hit while crossing Summit Avenue. He refused medical attention at the scene, police said.

Radest said she will be working closely with the Traffic Safety Unit and communications office to "implement increased enforcement measures and to emphasize traffic safety education targeted to drivers of vehicles and bicycles and pedestrians."

"We will also work with engineering to address any potential safety issues in uncontrolled pedestrian crossing locations," she said. "In addition, each of needs to do our part to travel carefully and share the road safely."

Radest previously addressed safety concerns at a meeting in early October after an 84-year-old resident was hit while crossing Summit Avenue on Sept. 15.

At the time, Radest said she was seeing "a complete decrease in personal responsibility" among citizens in Summit. She also said residents need to teach their children about pedestrian safety and to drive responsively.

Read more: Pedestrian Safety Issues Addressed By Summit Mayor, Police Chief

Have a news tip? Email remy.samuels@patch.com.