NJ state legislators in Trenton have introduced three bills which would go hand-in-hand in protecting pedestrians in crosswalks:

Introduced by Assemblymember Linda Stender and co-sponsored by Assemblymembers John Wisniewski, Jon Bramnick and Ruben Ramos, A1329 requires drivers to stop and remain stopped to allow pedestrians to cross a roadway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Under current law, motorists must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, but do not have the clear duty of remaining stopped until the pedestrian has safely traversed. Additionally, A1329 increases fines and penalties for violations, deposits the money in the Pedestrian Safety Enforcement and Education Fund, and clarifies the responsibility of turning motorists to yield to pedestrians in the adjacent crosswalks, helping to increase pedestrian safety statewide. The bill has passed the Assembly Transportation Committee and is awaiting a full vote on the Assembly floor.

Similarly, A212 sponsored by Assemblymembers Bramnick, Stender and Neil Cohen would require motorists to stop for pedestrians not only in crosswalks but also for those waiting to enter crosswalks. Under current law, motorists do not have to yield to pedestrians waiting on the curb to cross a roadway.

Lastly, A1728 introduced by Assemblymember Munoz would increase the penalty for a driver who hits a pedestrian in a crosswalk and causes injuries. Currently, the penalties for failing to yield at a crosswalk are a fine of $100, imprisonment for up to 15 days, or both. A1728 would, when serious pedestrian injury occurs, increase the fine from $100 to up to $500, increase maximum imprisonment from 15 to 25 days, and add the option of license suspension for up to six months.

New Jersey’s elected officials have taken some steps over the last few years to address the persistent problem of traffic-related pedestrian injuries and deaths. The State Legislature passed a bill creating a red-light camera pilot program in January, and the City of Newark and NJDOT are working on several pedestrian safety and streetscape improvements (see MTR # 559). In 2006, Gov. Corzine announced a statewide five-year pedestrian safety funding initiative (see MTR # 539). In 2007, New Jersey pedestrian deaths fell to 145, a decrease from 2006 (when there were 168 pedestrian deaths), but remain frustratingly high.