Now that I have your attention please allow me to explain.

As you know, with the summer comes an increase in both pedestrian and automobile traffic here at the Jersey Shore.

While I do understand that we need to share the roadways, I can't help but get a little miffed when a pedestrian thinks that we as drivers can and should stop on a dime when they step into the street.

As a driver, I do obey the traffic laws, hell I even drive just under the speed limit in residential areas, but when you step off the curb in the middle of the street or even at a crosswalk when I am 5 feet away from you? There's a good chance that you might become a statistic.

Talking with the Toms River Police Department’s traffic safety office I learned that there are laws that protect the pedestrian and the driver.

For instance, crossing a street should be done in the crosswalk. If there are no marked crosswalks then cross at the corner and obey the traffic lights. If there are no lights cross in the same direction as traffic flows watching for turning vehicles.

However, you do not have the right to cross the street when the feeling strikes you. If a car is within 5 feet of the crosswalk or is going at a speed that will prevent him from stopping, the vehicle has the right-of-way.

Diagonal crossing and crossing in the middle of the street is a no-no, head to the corner and use the crosswalk.

Jaywalking is still illegal and repeat offenders will be ticketed. The fine is $45.00 per infraction

Drivers, you must be ready to stop as you approach the crosswalk.

Drivers are not permitted to block a crosswalk whether it is marked or not.

Drivers should be watching for pedestrians and slow down. You will be ticketed for failure to yield the right-of-way. The fines start at $200.00 plus 2 points for a conviction.

The bottom line here is that common sense plays a big role in your safety.

If you see a car approaching and it looks like he isn’t going to stop, please do not use the power of the law to try and make the vehicle stop for you.

I know that I said that I was declaring open season on pedestrians. I'm really not, I just wanted to grab your attention.

I really don’t want to see anyone getting hurt.  So please as the summer rolls on and traffic increases; use the crosswalks, wait for the light to change, and look before you step into the street.

Common sense people, common sense.

Be safe and enjoy the summer!

Until next time.

Rock on party people!

 

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