TRENTON — A new state law requiring motorists to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks — not just yield to them — is resulting in more tickets and warnings. There have also been fewer pedestrian fatalities so far this year. The law took effect in April. According to municipal court figures, police have issued more summonses and warnings this year...
A law that requires drivers stop, instead of yield, for pedestrians has resulted in a decrease in pedestrian deaths.TRENTON — A new state law requiring motorists to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks — not just yield to them — is resulting in more tickets and warnings.
There have also been fewer pedestrian fatalities so far this year.
The law took effect in April.
According to municipal court figures, police have issued more summonses and warnings this year than in the previous year.
The new law took effect following a significant jump in pedestrian fatalities in 2009 after three years of decline.
Pam Fischer, director of the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety, says fatalities dropped 19 percent from January through September, compared with the same time frame last year.
Previous coverage:
• N.J. renews crackdown on drivers not yielding to pedestrians
• Reducing deadly pedestrian accidents is goal of revised N.J. traffic law
• N.J. drivers must make full stop for pedestrians or face hefty fines