N.J. Watches Out for

Crossing signals that last longer and count down the seconds remaining are among New Jersey’s new efforts aimed at preventing elderly pedestrians from being struck by cars.

Other communities are creating safe islands in the middle of roads to protect stranded walkers and some municipalities even have put up signs warning motorists when they are in areas with senior walkers.

A recent report by the state Department of Health and Senior Services found that 96 New Jerseyans over the age of 65 were struck and killed by motor vehicles while walking down the street in 2000 and 2001. That was more than double the 45 pedestrian fatalities involving New Jerseyans under 20 years old.

“The number of elderly pedestrians is going to continue to grow, so the number of these accidents is going to grow as well,” said Katherine Hempstead, a co-author of the report.

The state Department of Transportation is meeting with seniors to gather suggestions. The first such meeting took place at the Palisades Park Senior Center in Bergen County to improve the intersection of State Route 93 and County Road 501. The intersection had light changes that were often too fast for seniors. Many also did not know that signs showing a circle with a line through it meant they should not cross there.

Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.