Crime & Safety
Police Chief Emphasizes Pedestrian Safety As Kids Return To School
In a statement released Wednesday, Fort Lee Police Chief Thomas O. Ripoli urged parents to speak to their children about crossing the street safely and motorists to use extra caution with kids going back to school on Monday.
Fort Lee Police Chief Thomas O. Ripoli issued a statement Wednesday urging parents and motorists to be extra cautious with students returning to school next week.
Ripoli, noting a continued problem with accidents involving pedestrians over the summer, said 43 of the borough’s intersections will be manned by crossing guards, and that parents should talk to their children about how to cross the street safely.
Ripoli said parents should emphasize to their kids that they need to look out for cars before crossing even though, by law, pedestrians have the right of way.
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He also said drivers should exercise even greater caution and be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially near schools.
“I want to make sure everyone gets to their destination safely, and I cannot do this without your help,” Ripoli said in the statement.
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Ripoli’s complete statement is below:
The new school year is upon us and I just wanted to reach out to parents and motorists alike with some safety tips. We have had several accidents this summer involving pedestrians. As we all know, Fort Lee is a high traffic volume town and we all must be vigilant as we are navigating the streets. There are 43 intersections where crossing guards are stationed. Parents, please speak to your children about crossing in marked intersections with the assistance of these crossing guards. Although pedestrians have the right of way, tell children to look to make sure motorists are complying with this law. Motorists need to pay attention to pedestrians crossing, especially in the areas of town where the schools are located. Please slow down and watch out for children as they may not always heed our warnings and use marked intersections. I want to make sure everyone gets to their destination safely and I cannot do this without your help. We are all responsible for making sure these simple rules get followed. I am looking forward to a happy and healthy school year.
The first day of school for Fort Lee public school students is Monday, Sept. 10.
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