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“The Woodbridge Police Department has identified high-traffic areas with a high population of senior residents and will be erecting ‘SLOW – SENIOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING’ traffic safety signs which remind motorists to drive slowly and with caution in and around areas where senior residents live and congregate,” said Mayor McCormac. “This is an important traffic safety effort designed to protect senior pedestrians, slow traffic in and around senior residences and improve their quality of life.”

“The Municipal Council has made pedestrian safety – particularly for senior pedestrians – a priority,” said Council President Brenda Yori Velasco. “The ‘SLOW – SENIOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING’ sign program will result in safer crossing areas for senior residents by reminding drivers to take extra care when driving by senior residences and facilities.”

Mayor McCormac noted that the Woodbridge Township “SLOW – SENIOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING” speed reduction campaign was partially funded through a $2,000 Pedestrian Safety Education and Enforcement Grant provided through the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. In addition to the “SLOW – SENIOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING” sign erected at Griener Towers on Inman Avenue in Colonia, “SLOW – SENIOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING” signs will be erected outside Olsen Towers on New Brunswick Avenue in Fords, at Cooper Towers on Oak Tree Road in Iselin, and at the Adams/Finn Towers on Rahway Avenue and the Stern Towers on Brook Street in Woodbridge.

Mayor McCormac and Council President Velasco reminded that senior citizens are at a higher risk of being struck by a motor vehicle and that special emphasis must be made to educate seniors about the importance of walking safely. As part of the “SLOW – SENIOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING” sign program, Sgt. Eric Nelson of the Woodbridge Township Police Department, Traffic Safety Bureau, will provide informative seminars, programs, brochures, and information to senior residents reminding them of the “do’s and don’ts” of pedestrian safety and responsibility.

The Woodbridge Police Department, Traffic Safety Bureau, has conducted over 18 separate presentations to more than 1,200 senior residents at area senior organizations and clubs. The seminars remind senior residents of the responsibilities of traffic and pedestrian safety. The ongoing information campaign, in conjunction with erecting the “SLOW – SENIOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING” signs, is designed to provide continuing education and reminders to motorists to slow down and provide pedestrians the “right-of-way” when in the crosswalk.

The “SLOW – SENIOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING” program reminds senior residents to:

• Walk on sidewalks and cross only at corners, within marked crosswalks;
• Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing, especially at night;
• Look left, right and left again before crossing and be on the lookout for turning vehicles;
• Make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of a vehicle;
• Learn the proper use of “Walk/Don’t Walk” signals;
• Use the buddy system. Walk and cross with others when possible; and
• If possible, do not walk at night or during bad weather such as snow, rain or ice.
  
  

  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION COMNTACT:

  John R. Hagerty
  Mayor’s Office of Communications
  732-602-6039

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