A good idea for Hoboken has become a good idea in Weehawken as well.
Over the course of the last six months, officials in Hoboken installed yield signs at heavy-traveled pedestrian intersections that did not have either a traffic signal or a stop sign.
The signs, which encourage vehicles to yield if a pedestrian is at a crosswalk, have acted as a deterrent in the mile-square city to motorists who might have usually traveled at a high rate of speed on thoroughfares, while providing a safety net for pedestrians trying to cross the streets safely – especially young children who might not normally pay attention to traffic flow.
Seeing the signs and the effect that they have had in Hoboken, some Weehawken residents approached 2nd Ward Councilwoman Rosemary Lavagnino about the possibility of installing similar ones at Weehawken crosswalks and intersections.
Officials yielded to the request.
The Township Council approved the purchase of 30 such yield signs at a cost of $100 each, to be installed at strategically approved locations throughout the town.
Three such yield signs were installed at various sites early last week. Department of Public Works employees will install two or three a day at other sites over the next few weeks. The yield signs have been permanently attached to the existing pavement, close to the corner and the intersection.
Lavagnino applauded the efforts.
“This is a good example of concerned neighbors stepping up and looking to get something done,” Lavagnino said. “Several residents approached me with concerns for the safety of their children in crossing the streets. They wondered if there was a way to alleviate their concerns. Although these signs are yield signs, they work the same as stop signs. It’s a perfect way to improve safety.”
Stop signs are hard
Securing stop signs in a municipality is not an easy task. Applications must be sent to the state Department of Transportation, which does extensive vehicular surveys, monitoring volume and possible dangers, to see if a stop sign is actually necessary. About 90 percent of all applications for stop signs are denied by the state DOT.
But a municipality can install yield signs without any state approval. Thus, the reason why these yield signs will serve a dutiful purpose throughout the township.
Public Safety Director Jeff Welz said that he will spend the next few weeks determining the intersections and crosswalks – obviously those without either a traffic signal or a stop sign – where the new yield for pedestrian signs will be most effective.
“Mostly, they will be placed on the township’s inner streets, because that’s where they are most needed,” Welz said. “We’re in the process of doing a survey to determine where the signs are going to go. We’re getting input from residents as well. The signs provide supplemental safety throughout the town. At the cost of $3,000, it is practically nothing for the enhanced safety.”
Welz said that the yield signs will only improve the township’s impeccable approval rating from the state Automobile Association of America (AAA) traffic safety award program. Weehawken has not had a pedestrian fatality in 18 of the last 20 years, receiving the designation.
Councilman James Terlizzi believes that the signs will give motorists a keener reminder of an existing law.
“Under New Jersey law, a motorist must stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk,” Terlizzi said. “The signs will serve as a reminder. They are visible and they work. We also have to remind pedestrians that they should cross the street at crosswalks and not in the middle of the road.”
“It’s an example of good community involvement,” Lavagnino said. “The residents gave their input and we responded. That makes for a better community.”