Summertime Safety Tips Offered by Councilwoman

Share the road. When operating a motor vehicle, remember that the law requires you to share the road with other vehicles.  Did you know that cyclists, skateboarders and inline skaters have the same rights and responsibilities under New Jersey law as a moving motor vehicle? Sharing the road means knowing, and executing at all times, your responsibilities, not just your rights. Because one of your responsibilities as a vehicle operator is to always keep yourself informed of the rules of the road, I encourage you to review “Sharing the Road with Others” at http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/pdf/Manuals/drivermanual.pdf.

Be on the lookout for crosswalks at all times when operating a vehicle.  While you may be familiar with what a “marked” crosswalk is, do you know what an “unmarked” crosswalk is?  In the State of New Jersey, a crosswalk is defined as an extension of the road, sidewalk, curb or edge of the shoulder at an intersection for people on foot.  That means that there is a crosswalk at every intersection, whether it is marked or unmarked.  According to the NJ DOT, “Drivers should know the laws and stop for pedestrians at all types of crosswalks.”  Expand your field of vision when approaching crosswalks and intersections.  Double check for pedestrians before turning and before backing up.  When approaching a stopped vehicle, assume it is stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross. (You may not be able to see the pedestrian(s) at first if they are in front of the stopped vehicle.)  NEVER pass a vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian.

Pedestrians - be alert and be seen.  Use sidewalks.  If there is no sidewalk, walk as close as possible to the side of the road and face traffic. Make sure you can be seen.  Wear bright colors or better yet, clothing with reflective markers, especially when it’s dark out.  Be predictable.  When crossing a street, use a marked crosswalk whenever possible.  If there is no marked crosswalk nearby, cross the street at an intersection (which is considered an “unmarked” crosswalk). Remember, while New Jersey law requires that drivers stop and remain stopped while a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk, it also requires that pedestrians exercise due care for their safety: “… no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.” Please check out the very important tips offered under “Safety Tips for Pedestrians” available online at http://www.walkinginfo.org/why/tips_walking-safely.cfm.

Cyclists – be alert and be seen. Cycling is a fun, healthy and popular means of personal transportation for all ages.  As discussed above, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as a moving motor vehicle.  The law requires riders under 17 years old to wear helmets, but helmets are recommended regardless of age.  Make sure you can be seen by others.  Know that cars and trucks have blind spots. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.  Cycles in use after dark must be equipped with a front white headlight and rear red taillight.  For more safe riding tips, check out the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Be a Roll-Model” campaign at http://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety/Bicycles/Be+a+Roll+Model.

Do not use fireworks.  New Jersey’s laws on fireworks are very restrictive for good reason – to prevent personal injury and to prevent igniting a fire.  Think sparklers are harmless?  Sparklers burn at a temperature of 1200° F.  (Glass melts at 900° F. You would not hand a child a stick with molten glass on the tip!)  Sparklers, firecrackers, M-80s, champagne poppers, roman candles, rockets and every other novelty item that falls under the category of fireworks are illegal.  Any person found using fireworks illegally is subject to a $500 fine and/or imprisonment. 

Outdoor chefs – grill safely.  Remember that a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. Grills can also cause burn injuries.  Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away.  The Westfield Fire Department recommends everyone read the grilling safety tips on their webpage (www.westfieldnj.gov/Fire), brought to you in conjunction with the National Fire Protection