South Brunswick Police Unveils New Pedestrian Safety Measures

south brunswick introduces new safety measure to prevent pedestrian accidents

Pedestrian accidents are often disastrous. This is because the impact of a moving vehicle can lead to life-changing injuries. Pedestrian accidents occur for a variety of reasons, some of which are preventable. Fortunately, the city of South Brunswick, New Jersey, has recognized this problem and taken action to make the city safer for pedestrians.

Recognizing a Dangerous Problem

Just a couple of weeks ago, the local community learned of the terrible news. A local teen, just 14 years old, was killed after an SUV hit her after she crossed over the median and attempted to cross the road. While some pedestrian accidents are due to gross negligence, driving under the influence or distracted driving, many of them are a mistake. The driver, in this case, never intended to harm the pedestrian and would take back the mistake, if possible. Cases like this are why the police have worked to improve pedestrian safety.

These are just a few of the steps they plan to, or have taken so far:

Add additional fencing along Route 1: The South Brunswick police department will work with the New Jersey Department of Transportation to increase the length of fencing along Route 1. The city has already seen a decrease in pedestrian accidents in areas with fencing. While fencing may not entirely eliminate pedestrians crossing, it will likely reduce the number.
Increasing teen awareness: Distracted driving continues to be a big problem across the United States. Police are encouraging parents to talk with their children about the importance of distraction-free driving and walking. Keep phones down, cross at intersections, be alert at all times, and avoid using texting or dialing when driving.
Community awareness: The police are also asking motorists to help with cutting down on the number of people crossing in unsafe locations. By calling (732) 329-4646, they can track problematic locations.

These recommendations come after the South Brunswick police department shares that 132 pedestrians have died, just this year. With these safety tips, they hope to significantly decrease this number.

How to Be Safe As a Pedestrian

Walking shouldn’t be dangerous, but unfortunately, it does pose some risk, especially in larger cities with a lot of vehicles.

Keep these tips in mind to be safe as you walk:

Be aware: Awareness is important, even when walking. Avoid looking down at cell phones, especially when crossing intersections.
Wear brightly colored clothing: When walking at night, it is important to make sure that drivers can see you. This means wearing brightly colored clothing or reflective gear.
Use crosswalks: Crosswalks are specifically placed in safer locations. Always use crosswalks when crossing the road.
Wear good shoes: Slippery shoes can cause you to slip and fall, which can mean that drivers are unable to see you. Always wear slip-resistant shoes.

These are just a few tips that can help you improve your safety when walking around the local community. Also, when possible, walk with a friend, or in a group. Drivers are more likely to notice a large group of individuals, versus a single person on the road.

Discuss Your Pedestrian Injuries With a Lawyer Today

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you collect the necessary evidence to build your case. With just two years to file, it is important to reach out as soon as possible.

Contact an Essex County Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Pedestrian Accident Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a pedestrian accident in the state of New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Birkhold & Maider, LLC represent clients injured because of a pedestrian accident in Essex County, Hudson County, Mercer County, Union County, and throughout New Jersey. Call 973-784-8583 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 189 Franklin Avenue, Suite 1, Nutley, NJ 07110, as well as an office in Hamilton, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.