Cops in Crosswalks Causing Controversy

New initiative to get word out about tougher NJ pedestrian law dividing some

The drivers whizzing past the guy in the crosswalk probably didn’t realize Steve Steinecke is a Northfield cop. At least not until his colleagues in uniform stopped them up the street, for violating the law.

“We’re still seeing about 20-percent of people not stopping. That’s way too much,” Det. Sgt. Steinecke said.

The Atlantic County community is among 13 statewide where police officers are posing as pedestrians through the end of July and again in September.

It’s called Cops in Crosswalks and it’s designed to school both those behind the wheel and on foot about New Jersey’s pedestrian safety law, which became tougher this spring.

Rather than yielding, drivers must now stop -- and stay stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks.

“There’s a lot of people claiming they are not aware of the new law," Northfield Police Chief Robert James said.

Violators mostly received warnings today, but the crackdown also calls for tickets to be handed out. Drivers caught breaking the law face a $200 fine, 2 points on their record and even 15 days of community service.

But the new law is not without its critics, many of whom believe it’s too confusing. In fact, a push is underway on Long Beach Island to have the law repealed.

Richard Jeffries is gathering signatures on a petition, urging state officials to rewrite and clarify the rules.

“I think it’s very dangerous,” Jeffries said. “People think they can step off the side walk into Boulevard and people have to come to a screeching halt.”

Supporters, though, say the law does not give people carte blanche to suddenly step into crosswalks if cars can’t safely stop. Pedestrians who fail to obey, could get a fine of $54.

“Everyone needs to use common sense,” Det. Sgt. Steinecken said.

Police say it’s all about safely sharing the road and they’re literally taking steps to make sure that happens.

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