Teaneck Deploying Police Decoys in Crosswalks

Motorists who don't come to a full stop for people in crosswalks in Teaneck could soon find themselves nabbed by decoy police officers in a new pedestrian safety initiative, officials announced.  

Teaneck is set to join towns across the area in deploying plainclothes officers at busy township crosswalks. The initiative is part of an effort to educate drivers about an April 2010 law requiring drivers to make a full stop at crosswalks for pedestrians. 

"During the decoy operations, several plainclothes officers are employed as 'pedestrians' at these high-pedestrian crash locations to ensure that motorists are complying with State law that mandates motorists must stop and stay stopped for pedestrians within marked crosswalks," a news release from the township said. 

The location of Teaneck's decoy operation was not immediately released, but officers would likely focus on busy intersections ranging from Cedar Lane to State Street. 

Statewide, pedestrian fatalities last year rose to 164 from 143 in 2011, according to state police data. Although Teaneck had no fatal pedestrian accidents last year, an 88-year-old woman was seriously injured in August crossing at Cedar Lane and Palisade Avenue, police have said. 

In nearby Fort Lee, authorities launched a pedestrian safety crackdown and educational initiative. According to Fort Lee Police Chief Keith Bendul, 12 pedestrians have been struck in the first two months of 2013, including one fatality.

"There is no one cause of crashes involving pedestrians. Pedestrians and motorists must both do their part to keep pedestrians safe," Chief Robert Wilson said in a statement. 

A state grant also allows for safety presentations with various community groups.

Click here to read the state law and for more information about pedestrian safety

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