Bergen County Initiative Aimed At Reducing Pedestrian Fatalities
HACKENSACK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Authorities will be cracking down on drivers in Bergen County in an effort to combat a rise in pedestrian fatalities.
During a two-week enforcement period starting Oct. 18, extra cops will be seen at cross-walks while undercover officers will be on patrol pretending to be pedestrians.
Authorities hope the extra enforcement will help reverse a deadly trend. Twenty-four people were killed last year alone in the county, which is double the state average, 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck reported.
It's a striking statistic, but "Behind these numbers was a child, was a grandmother," State Police Lt. Col. Patrick Callahan told WCBS 880's Alex Silverman.
And Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino said pedestrians need to do their part too.
"You can't assume anything. Let's face it, vehicles are weapons. Pedestrians out there, you can't assume that someone is going to stop for you," he said. "Stop that text, stop that cell phone use until you're on the sidewalk."
October, November and December are the top three months for pedestrian crashes, Schuck reported.
As part of the crackdown, authorities will focus on education, engineering and enforcement.