Mayor Davis said, “As the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus continues to decline, more people are going back to work and school in person.  We can start to see light at the end of the tunnel.  With more of us on the roads in our cars, we need to be careful about protecting children, pedestrians, and other drivers.  Let us all follow safe driving practices as we get ready for the springtime.”

The warming weather and increased hours of evening sunlight mean more people are out on the streets. Whether its people riding bikes, families taking a walk, or kids playing near the road, more people mean more chances to get in an accident.  Keep your eyes peeled for runners and bikers sharing the road.

While the longer days can lift your mood and bring joy, the one-hour change means the sunrises you were enjoying on your morning commute may be replaced by dark night sky. Driving in the dark can be dangerous anytime, so be prepared for more careful and defensive driving if you commute in the early morning hours.

It has been shown that the Monday and Tuesday following daylight savings time change has a 17% increase in traffic fatalities. Researchers theorize that the loss of one hour means that people just may not get enough sleep.

Quality of life in cities and towns is of increasing concern to the public and to policymakers. A major threat to quality of life is the high volume of motor vehicle traffic. So, we ask that you keep the following in mind-

Pedestrians, Be Predictable: Following the rules of the road and obeying traffic signals is the best way to prevent being hit by a car.  Walk on sidewalks wherever possible and walk as far from moving vehicles as possible when a sidewalk is not available.  Cross at designated crosswalks and with the walk signal. Wear bright clothing and be aware of your surroundings.

Drivers, Yield the Right of Way to Pedestrians: Allow persons walking across roadways to pass. Stop a reasonable distance prior to crosswalks to give warning to other drivers that a pedestrian is crossing the street.  Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.

This public awareness and education campaign is being backed up by high-visibility enforcement. Our education campaign began in November with the Traffic Enforcement Initiative Against Aggressive and Distracted Driving. It continued in December with our Public Safety Announcement to Keep the Public Right-Of-Way Clear.  Now, with this Quality-of-Life Campaign, over the next several weeks and months and beyond, you will see the increased presence of Police Officers on Broadway and throughout the City addressing these concerns. Please  –

• Do not double park
• Keep intersections clear
• Slow Down and Pay Attention

The City of Bayonne is committed to improving the quality of our lives. Police enforcement of these laws is critical. We save lives.