SHERIFF MCGUIRE HIGHLIGHTS NEW PEDESTRIAN SAFETY LAWS
AT COUNTY PRESS CONFERENCE
HACKENSACK, N.J. – Bergen County Sheriff Leo P. McGuire today joined County Executive Dennis McNerney for a press conference to highlight recent changes to traffic control laws aimed at improving pedestrian safety.
“One pedestrian fatality or injury in our communities is one too many,” Sheriff McGuire said. “The tragedy of these accidents is compounded by the fact that so many of them are preventable. These new enhancements to our existing laws and penalties make it clear that the safety of our pedestrians is our number one priority.”
“It has come to my attention that pedestrians account for approximately 25% of road related fatalities here in New Jersey, nearly double the national average. This is a horrifying reality,” said Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney. “As those of you who have experienced the loss of a loved one will agree, this is a senseless tragedy, and it must come to an end in 2010.”
The new law, which went into effect today, requires motorists to come to a complete stop for pedestrians and to remain stopped for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk or a controlled intersection. Prior to this legislative change, motorists were required to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Motorists now face a $200 fine for violations under the new law. Additional penalties include a potential community service sentence and up to four points if motorists do not bring their vehicles to a complete stop.
Today’s press conference also highlighted the importance of other recent changes to improve pedestrian safety, such as Kyleigh’s Law, which requires drivers under the age of 21 to affix a red decal on their license plates. That law, which was signed last year and will go into effect on May 1, 2010, was the first of its kind in the country.
The Bergen County Sheriff's Office is the largest law enforcement agency in Bergen County. Comprised of more than 500 dedicated personnel, the Office's responsibilities include a broad range of services and functions which assist the public, augment the county's municipal police departments and safeguard Bergen's judicial proceedings.
For more information about the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, please visit us online at www.bcsd.us.
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