PARK RIDGE, N.J.—Street Smart NJ works to change behaviors that contribute to pedestrian–vehicle crashes. Mayor Keith Misciagna is proud to announce that the Borough of Park Ridge will conduct a Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety education campaign aimed at reducing these crashes in New Jersey during the coming months.
Street Smart NJ is a collaborative effort between public, private and non-profit organizations.
During the campaign, police will be enforcing pedestrian laws and working with borough officials to educate drivers and pedestrians.
On Friday, Oct. 15 Misciagna visited Il Freno Espresso Bar on Park Avenue to discuss the issues. Due to its location on a busy street, the owners of the coffee shop know all too well about the close calls some of their customers have with vehicles along the roadway.
They said they are excited to help spread the word on pedestrian safety. Visitors and residents will notice Street Smart tips on their coffee sleeves from Il Freno in the coming weeks.
The Park Ridge Mayor and Council have been committed to improving pedestrian safety as evidenced by their work with Bergen County last year to have the speed limit along the busy corridor of Park Avenue to 25 miles per hour.
A borough statement said Councilman Robert Metzdorf has been particularly vocal about the issue, sharing a story of witnessing a family member hit by a car when he was just a child. Metzdorf introduced the Street Smart campaign to the rest of the mayor and council recently and everyone was immediately on board.
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.
Pedestrians comprised 29% (183 people) of the 624 people killed in crashes in New Jersey in 2017, nearly double the national average of 16%, according to the most recent data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
New Jersey ranks 13 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.
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.
During the campaign educational materials will be on display throughout the community.
The statewide Street Smart NJ campaign is managed by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) and began in 2013.
Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in helping to promote the Street Smart NJ message in Park Ridge should contact Borough Hall at (201) 573-1800 or the Park Ridge Police at (201) 391-5401.
Learn more about the campaign at bestreetsmartnj.org. The campaign is also on Facebook (/StreetSmartNJ) and Twitter (@njstreetsmart).