TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Joseph Coniglio and Paul A. Sarlo that will work to increase pedestrian safety at dangerous crosswalks and intersections was signed into law today by Governor Richard J. Codey.
“New Jersey’s roads are some of the busiest in the nation and pedestrians here deserve sound safety measures in heavy traffic areas,” said Senator Coniglio, D-Bergen. “Pedestrians should never feel overwhelmed or under-protected when trying to cross our streets. This law will make roads safer by making both drivers and pedestrians more aware in troublesome traffic areas.”
The Senators’ measure, S-251, directs the Commissioner of Transportation to identify intersections throughout the State with high instances of accidents involving pedestrians. Under the bill, right turns at red lights are prohibited at any of the dangerous intersections. Transportation officials are required to post signs reading “Yield to Pedestrians, Its the Law,” in crosswalks.
This legislation was drafted after The Record of Hackensack published a series of articles highlighting the increase in the number of fatal accidents involving pedestrians in Northern New Jersey, particularly in Bergen and Essex counties.
“This measure will work to protect pedestrians,” said Senator Sarlo, D-Bergen, Essex and Passaic. “By banning right turns on red and increasing the number of signs warning pedestrians and drivers, we are hoping to cut down on the number of traffic accidents throughout the State.
This measure received final legislative approval on May 20.