A state law that makes motorists stop at crosswalks, rather than just slowing down when a pedestrian is present, has been in effect for several months, but some might not know about it.
And the North Bergen Police have even gone undercover to catch motorists who violate it.
The state statute was first sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda Stender (D-Union) and signed into law by former Gov. Jon Corzine. It went into effect in April and now forces drivers to completely stop rather than yield, or face a $200 fine, 2 points on their license, and even 15 days of community service.
“It seems to be working pretty well,” said Mayor and Sen. Nicholas Sacco (D-Hudson), who is the chairman of the state Senate Transportation Committee.
“It is hard to enforce unless the person that was cut off by the car gets a license plate and wants [the police] to issue a summons.” – William Galvin
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However, he said that there are areas in town that still need updated signs in accordance with the current law. Sacco said that he has asked the North Bergen Police Traffic Division to change signs on Palisade Avenue by the border of Fairview, N.J.
“Hopefully we get more and more of these signs out there, which would be helpful,” said Sacco. “The drivers would be much more aware of where the crosswalk is.”
Sting operation
North Bergen Police Chief William Galvin said that before the law changed, the traffic division, led by Lt. James Somers, conducted crosswalk enforcement and still does.
He said that Somers, or one of his officers, sometimes dresses in plain clothes and attempt to cross the street in clearly visible areas.
“When he crosses the street, [Somers] makes sure that the vehicle approaching has ample time to stop,” said Galvin. If the drivers do not stop, then they are issued a summons, said Galvin.
He said that it was also the pedestrian’s responsibility to clearly be seen and to not just “jump” into the street.
He said that the problem with enforcing such a law is that it is “human habit” for people to not always cross the street at crosswalks. Living in an urban area that is full of motorists and pedestrians also compounds the problem. Galvin said that there are also not enough officers to always catch motorists violating the law.
“It is hard to enforce unless the person that was cut off by the car gets a license plate and wants [the police] to issue a summons, because we don’t have cops everywhere,” said Galvin.
More awareness
Galvin said that awareness is key to getting people to understand the law.
‘The motorist has to stop anyway, there has always been a yield for the pedestrian, the pedestrian has the right of way,” said Sacco. “This codifies it.”
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.