Plainclothes officers will step into marked crosswalks during a weeks-long enforcement operation aimed at motorists who fail to stop for pedestrians
BERGENFIELD, NJ – Drivers approaching Bergenfield crosswalks could soon find the pedestrian ahead of them is an undercover police officer, with the borough launching weeks of decoy operations targeting motorists who fail to stop for people crossing the street.
The Bergenfield Police Department announced Thursday that officers will conduct Pedestrian Crosswalk Decoy operations at several locations throughout the borough over the next several weeks.
The enforcement initiative is being conducted in cooperation with the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety.
During the operations, Bergenfield officers dressed in civilian clothing will pose as pedestrians and enter crosswalks.
Other officers positioned nearby will watch approaching traffic and stop motorists who fail to obey pedestrian right-of-way requirements or commit other violations, according to the department.
New Jersey law requires motorists to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians crossing within marked crosswalks.
Police did not disclose the specific locations or dates of the planned decoy operations.
The department said the initiative is intended to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities while educating motorists about crosswalk laws.
The operation also serves as a reminder that motorists are required to yield appropriately when turning at intersections.
By keeping the enforcement locations undisclosed, drivers throughout Bergenfield could encounter the plainclothes pedestrian operations during the coming weeks.
Key Points
- Bergenfield Police will deploy plainclothes officers posing as pedestrians at crosswalks during the next several weeks.
- Nearby officers will monitor traffic and stop motorists who fail to stop for pedestrians or commit other violations.
- Police have not announced the dates or locations of the upcoming enforcement operations.
