>Letter to the Editor, The Record
We would like to thank The Record and Road Warrior John Cichowski for the attention focused on the issue of pedestrian deaths in New Jersey (“Deaths jump 33%,” Page A-1, Nov. 10; “Walking is hazardous for nearly all,” Road Warrior, Page L-1, Nov. 10). Of course, prevention is key and pedestrians must be aware of their surroundings. But something not mentioned is driver accountability.
A year and a half ago on Mother’s Day, our 24-year-old son, Dan, was walking in a crosswalk in broad daylight in Ridgewood, with a green light, when he was struck from behind and killed by a motorist making a left turn. We were shocked and outraged to learn that the driver’s only charge was “failure to yield to a pedestrian.” He received a $300 fine and lost his license for three months. Based on accounts of both attorneys and other victims’ families, unless the driver is drunk or leaves the scene of the accident, greater penalties are seldom imposed.
A car can be a deadly weapon. When drivers get behind the wheel, they must assume responsibility for their actions. Far too many drivers are in such a hurry or are engaged in cellphone use that they are not fully aware of defenseless pedestrians.
Perhaps if drivers knew there were a penalty for injuring or killing a pedestrian, they would slow down and pay more attention to what is going on around them. New Jersey laws do not adequately address drivers’ responsibility regarding pedestrian safety. We urge lawmakers to consider enacting laws more in line with the horrendous consequences of these acts.
Andrea and Roger DeVries
Paramus, Nov. 12
