PORT JERVIS – The Port Jervis City Police Department is participating in the 2022 Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee’s “Operation See! Be Seen! Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Mobilization” operating June 10-23.
Using grant funding obtained under the 2021-22 Police Traffic Services Program through the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, the department will deploy additional patrol officers to areas of the city that contain increased volumes of pedestrian and vehicular traffic to provide education and enforcement efforts designed to improve both pedestrian and driver safety in crosswalks and roadways.
Approximately 300 pedestrians are killed and 15,000 injured by motor vehicles each year on the state’s roadways and more than 3,000 pedestrians are admitted to the hospital annually. Injuries to pedestrians are among the top 10 leading causes of injury-related hospital admissions and death for almost all age groups in the state.
Between January 2015 – May 2022 in the City of Port Jervis, 45 pedestrians were injured after being struck by a motor vehicle.
To prevent and avoid pedestrian-related injuries or death, pedestrians and motorists are encouraged to follow these safety tips:
“See!” Tips for Motorists:
Yield for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.
Do not block crosswalks when stopped at intersections.
Do not run red lights.
Slow down and obey speed limits.
Always look for pedestrians, particularly when turning at a green light or making a right turn on red.
Take extra care around schools, playgrounds and neighborhoods.
Be careful when passing stopped vehicles. They might be stopping for pedestrians.
PAY ATTENTION! Do not text and drive!
“Be Seen!” Tips for Pedestrians:
Cross at intersections and marked crosswalks. Look-left-right-left again.
Use pedestrian push-buttons where available and WAIT for the signal to cross.
Use sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic so you see vehicles and drivers see you.
Stay visible after dark and in bad weather by wearing light-colored or reflective clothing.
Watch for vehicles backing out of parking spaces and exiting driveways.
Make eye contact with drivers so they see you.
Look left, look right, and then look left again before crossing a street.
Pat attention. Don’t text while crossing!
For more information on pedestrian safety, visit Governor Cuomo’s Pedestrian Safety website www.ny.gov/programs/pedestrian-safety-action-plan or email injury@health.ny.gov
