With pedestrian deaths at a 30-year high, NJ takes action to improve road safety.
Trenton: Governor Phil Murphy just signed a new law aimed at tackling the rising pedestrian deaths in New Jersey. This law sets up a unique commission that brings together various state agencies to work on reducing traffic fatalities by 2040. It’s a big deal since pedestrian deaths are at their highest in over 30 years.
The commission will have 13 members, including folks from the state police, health department, and NJ Transit. They’ll meet regularly and hold public hearings to gather input. Murphy emphasized that this is a comprehensive approach, which is a refreshing change.
The main goal is to look at traffic safety from all angles. They’ll focus on engineering, education, and enforcement to make roads safer for everyone. Interestingly, red-light cameras won’t be part of their enforcement methods.
Murphy believes that using data-driven strategies will help prevent traffic fatalities. He wants to ensure that every trip—whether walking, driving, or biking—doesn’t end in tragedy.
State Senator Pat Diegnan and Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak were behind this law. The commission will need to come up with a plan that includes both short-term and long-term strategies, and they’ll have to share traffic safety data with the public.
Traffic safety advocates are thrilled about this development. They’ve been pushing for years to get state officials to prioritize this issue. It’s been a long road, but they’re hopeful that this commission will lead to real change.
New Jersey has been struggling with high traffic fatalities, especially among pedestrians. A recent study even labeled it the most dangerous state for pedestrians. In 2024 alone, there were 221 pedestrian deaths, the highest since 1988.
Tragic incidents, like the deaths of professional hockey players Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, have highlighted the dangers on the roads. And stories like that of triathlete Arland Macasieb, who suffered severe injuries after being hit while training, show just how risky it can be for pedestrians and cyclists.
Macasieb pointed out that many roads are designed for cars, leaving pedestrians and cyclists vulnerable. He sees the new law as a significant step toward creating safer infrastructure for everyone.
This initiative marks a commitment to improving road safety in New Jersey, and many are eager to see the positive changes it will bring.
