Newark City Officials and Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announce that the Newark Police Division has partnered with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office in a campaign aimed at strengthening pedestrian safety.
Official say Street Smart NJ is a month-long pedestrian safety education campaign designed to reduce pedestrian injuries. During 2018, Newark Police responded to 933 calls for service involving pedestrians struck by vehicles.
“Everyone has a role to play in making our city’s streets safer,” Mayor Baraka said. “If you’re behind the wheel, slow down and stop for people who are walking. If you’re crossing the street, use crosswalks and wait until you have the walk signal. And we need everyone to avoid distractions.”
“The Newark Police Division’s participation in Street Smart NJ underscores our commitment to ensuring that pedestrians are even safer while crossing our streets,” Director Ambrose added. “With a rising number of people walking while distracted by texting, talking and engaging on social media, it’s critical that increased public safety measures are provided to limit pedestrian roadway injuries.”
Newark residents and visitors may encounter police officers handing out information about the campaign and issuing warnings and/or summonses to drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians. Further, pedestrians will be stopped when police observe them jay-walking or crossing a street against a signal. Newark joins over 80 communities that have participated in Street Smart NJ since the campaign’s inception in 2013.
“This campaign is about changing behaviors and saving lives and we’ve seen some great successes,” NJTPA Executive Director Mary Ameen said. “We look forward to working with the City of Newark and Essex County on this important initiative. Together we can make a difference and help reduce pedestrian fatalities and injuries in our state.”
Director Ambrose urges anyone with information regarding any criminal or suspicious information to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.