Sgt. Michael Furlong demonstrated the new “Cops in Crosswalks” program that will take place in Red Bank throughout the year. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi; click to enlarge)

By DUSTIN RACIOPPI

Chief Steve McCarthy wasn’t just in a good mood or having a better-than-usual day on Thursday.

“I’m ecstatic,” Red Bank’s top cop said.

The reason for his cheer was one that he thinks will have a lasting effect on the borough, because it has a problem, he says: in the last five years, McCarthy says more people have died crossing the street than in homicides.

“That’s why one accident is too much,” he said.

July 16, 2010 - 11:35 am |

NEW CROSSWALK LAW DRAWS MIXED REAX

crosswalker A woman crosses Mechanic Street at the interesection of Broad in downtown Red Bank Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi)

By DUSTIN RACIOPPI

A new, statewide vehicle-related law went into effect Thursday, with the aim of improving pedestrian safety. But will it?

Drivers must now completely “stop and stay stopped” when someone is in a crosswalk, according to a campaign launched by the state Attorney General’s office. Prior law said yielding would do, but officials cited increased fatality rates as the cause to tighten down on drivers. Violating the law carries a fine of $200. (Pedestrians may also be cited and fined $54 for failing to use due care when crossing.)

redbankgreen spent a good part of the sun-splashed day posing a question to folks in Red Bank and the surrounding area: Do you think this law will actually make your town safer?

We got a mixed bag of responses.

April 2, 2010 - 5:31 am |

Red Bank Green

Serving Red Bank and Greater Red Bank, NJ

FED MONEY FLOWS FOR CROSSWALK OPS

NEW CROSSWALK LAW DRAWS MIXED REAX