Police departments in the Borough of Flemington and Town of Clinton are conducting “Street Smart NJ” pedestrian safety education campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of pedestrian safety within their communities.
“With more residents staying close to home during the COVID19 pandemic, we wanted to make sure that motorists and pedestrians are aware of the role that they can play in ensuring pedestrian safety,” said Chief Jerry Rotella, Flemington Police Department.
“Even with fewer vehicles on the road in recent months, due to COVID19 closures, we have seen an increase in speeding and distracted driving,” notes Town of Clinton Police Chief J. Cory Kubinak. “As our downtown welcomes back pedestrians, safety becomes a high priority. We want to make sure that motorists and pedestrians are aware of the role that they can play in ensuring safety.”
Street Smart NJ is a collaborative effort between public, private and non-profit organizations to educate motorists and pedestrians on their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe pedestrian environment. The statewide Street Smart NJ campaign is managed by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA).
Both Flemington and the Town of Clinton have previously conducted Street Smart NJ campaigns. Prior Street Smart NJ campaigns were conducted in Flemington in 2016, 2017, and 2018. A campaign was conducted in the Town of Clinton in 2016.
The current Flemington Street Smart NJ campaign is focusing on Broad Street and Bonnell Street in response to community concerns. In Clinton, the focus is in the vicinity of Leigh Street and Center Street.
Emphasis will be on the following key pedestrian safety behaviors:
- Speeding
- Distraction (motorists and pedestrians)
- Using crosswalks
- Stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks
Speed studies have been conducted in both communities to inform enforcement efforts.
Safety messaging is being shared in Flemington and the Town of Clinton via temporary street signs, social media, and printed materials, including take out coffee cup “sleeves” imprinted with Street Smart NJ messaging.
For more information about Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety campaigns in Hunterdon County, contact Tara Shepherd, executive director, 908.930.9053 of visit https://www.gohunterdon.org/bike-ped-programs/street-smart-nj/overview