The New Rochelle Police Department is participating in the Governors Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, a two-week education and enforcement period targeting the critical issue of pedestrian crashes. The initiative, which commenced on June 16, 2017, coincides with New York State’s comprehensive Pedestrian Safety Action Plan  (PSAP) and includes the distribution of warning cards and See! Be Seen! materials as well as enforcement. 

 “This campaign reminds us that we all need to share the road and abide by state laws," noted New Rochelle Police Sergeant Myron Joseph. "Most pedestrian injuries and fatalities occur as the result of the inattentiveness of motorists and the failure of pedestrians to use crosswalks. It is extremely crucial for motorists to be aware of crossing pedestrians at all times.”   

Statistics show that 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 New York State.   

In an effort to raise pedestrian safety awareness statewide, the “See! Be Seen!” educational campaign was created by the NYS Department of Health and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to provide safety tips for both pedestrians and drivers. A toolkit of resources including posters, tip cards, PowerPoint presentations, educational tools for law enforcement and video PSAs focusing on pedestrian and driver behaviors can be found on the New York State website.