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Random Spooky Artist Expression or Tactical Urbanism?

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Different kinds of mannequins on the lawn of a home in North Brunswick.

The Mannequin House in North Brunswick

Central Jersey exists and it may very well be one of the “weirdest” places in NJ. If you know, you know. Whether you are a Central Jersey believer or in the camp that it is just technically an extension of North Jersey, you have to admit that Middlesex County contains many hidden gems. As a resident of North Brunswick of over 20 years, I can attest that the Mannequin House off of Route 130 is the best that we have, for a number of reasons.

Local artist and bicycling enthusiast, Michael C. was sick of witnessing people speeding off of Route 130, damaging property, hurting themselves and others. As a lifelong North Brunswick resident he wanted people to be able to enjoy this street safely. Beginning with just a few mannequins, his art grew to well over 50 mannequins, in an effort to slow motorists down. The idea was for people to stop and smell the “flowers,” those flowers being his mannequins.

Traffic calming is the ultimate purpose of the mannequin house through the use of tactical urbanism. Tactical urbanism is a fast, cheap, action-oriented approach to making meaningful civic changes to neighborhoods, towns, and cities. Traffic calming is a set of specific measures like traffic circles, speed humps, and lane narrowing, aimed at reducing injuries and or death due to speeding, in order to improve road safety and quality of life.

You might have noticed the mannequin house while driving by, wondering about its uniqueness and the reason behind it. What did you do when you saw it? You slowed down to see all the details of this spooky installment, right? Now, was that pure coincidence because you saw something interesting or was it traffic calming in disguise? Making his street safer has become Michael’s life’s work. With the help of his partner, the themes of these mannequins change periodically so as to not lose the allure that causes people to slow down. According to sources, all of his mannequins are set up to mimic movement in the shadows using chicken wire, giving the illusion of people crossing the street in an effort to slow down drivers.

Over the years this house has helped reduce speeding on Washington Road, and Mr. C., with his passion for traffic safety has given us here at KMM a unique opportunity to witness creative measures to improve safety. This traffic calming device masked as an art installation is a great example of how engaging local creatives and unique thinkers can help us rethink road safety improvements within our communities.

-Izzy Gonzalez, Safe Routes to School Coordiator

What is Vision Zero?

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Vision Zero: A Commitment to Safe Streets and includes images of people walking, biking, scooting and using a wheelchair on roads.

You’ve probably heard a lot about Vision Zero and you’re wondering what is it? Municipalities across New Jersey and the United States are committing to Vision Zero through resolutions, ordinances aimed at increasing road safety, and street redesigns that accommodate all people, regardless of how they get around.

What is Vision Zero? A Bold Strategy for Road Safety

In the world of transportation and road safety, Vision Zero has emerged as a groundbreaking approach aimed at eliminating traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. While the idea might seem idealistic at first, it’s grounded in the belief that no loss of life or serious injury on the roads is acceptable. By shifting the focus to proactive safety measures, Vision Zero aims to create a road system that protects all users, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

Origins of Vision Zero

Vision Zero was first introduced in Sweden in 1997. The country, known for its strong commitment to social welfare and public safety, set out with the goal of creating a transportation system where nobody would be killed or seriously injured in road accidents. Since its inception, Sweden has seen significant success, with traffic fatalities dropping by over half in the years that followed the implementation of Vision Zero.

Seeing these positive results, the idea began to spread globally. Today, cities and countries around the world have adopted Vision Zero as part of their road safety strategies, including major urban centers in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and beyond. But Vision Zero isn’t just a set of guidelines—it’s a call to action and a comprehensive approach to how we think about traffic safety.

Key Principles of Vision Zero

  • Human-Centered Design: One of the core tenets of Vision Zero is the recognition that humans make mistakes. Road design should accommodate human error, making it difficult for accidents to result in serious injuries or deaths. For example, roundabouts or protected bike lanes can reduce the likelihood of fatal collisions.
  • Systemic Safety: Vision Zero doesn’t just focus on individual behavior but emphasizes improving the entire transportation system. This includes engineering safer roadways, introducing more robust vehicle safety standards, and enhancing traffic laws. The goal is to redesign roads and infrastructure to prevent severe accidents from occurring, regardless of human error.
  • Shared Responsibility: Unlike traditional road safety approaches, which often place the blame for accidents on drivers, Vision Zero emphasizes that responsibility is shared by everyone involved—drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, policymakers, and engineers. It’s not about blaming individuals but creating a safer system for all.
  • Data-Driven Solutions: Effective policies and infrastructure changes must be informed by solid data. Vision Zero calls for detailed data collection on traffic accidents, injury patterns, and the behavior of road users to determine where improvements are needed. This allows for targeted solutions and better resource allocation.

Vision Zero in Practice

While Vision Zero might sound like an ambitious ideal, there are numerous real-world examples showing its effectiveness. Cities around the world have already begun to implement Vision Zero strategies with significant success.

  • Hoboken, NJ: Since committing to Vision Zero in 2018, Hoboken has not seen a traffic fatality in seven years, thanks to safety improvements that include daylighting intersections – the process of increasing visibility at crosswalks, incorporating bike lanes, and reducing speed limits throughout the city.
  • Jersey City, NJ: Jersey City became the first city in New Jersey to commit to Vision Zero through initiatives like pop-up pedestrian plazas, installing roundabouts, reducing speed limits, and daylighting intersections.
  • New York City: In 2014, NYC adopted Vision Zero as part of its official traffic safety strategy. The city implemented measures like lower speed limits, the expansion of bike lanes, and increased enforcement of traffic laws.

As more cities adopt Vision Zero principles, it’s becoming clear that road safety is not just about enforcement but about rethinking the very nature of how we design and interact with our road systems. The initiative has the potential to transform cities into safer, more inclusive environments where everyone—from children to the elderly—can move around confidently without the constant threat of road crashes.

Vision Zero is A Shared Goal

Achieving zero traffic deaths and serious injuries requires continued collaboration among government agencies, engineers, public health professionals, and the public. Everyone must play a role in ensuring that Vision Zero is more than just a lofty goal but a tangible, life-saving reality.

Vision Zero is more than just a traffic safety program; it is a philosophy that redefines how we view road safety. It challenges the notion that traffic deaths are inevitable and calls for systemic changes to create a safer world for all road users. The journey toward zero is long, but it’s a step toward a future where no one has to fear for their life on the road.

Learn more about Vision Zero, download a sample resolution, and take the Vision Zero Pledge HERE.

Avoid Tragedy During Prom Season!

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Now that June is here, prom season is at it’s highest peak. It’s an event many teenagers diligently plan for months and eagerly await. However, all too often the excitement on prom night is overshadowed by a tragic event. IMG_7403

Vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for young people aged 12 to 19. On prom night, it can be a particularly dangerous time with so many teens on the road late at night. According to AAA, 87% of teens reported that their friends have driven after drinking rather than calling home for a ride, just on prom night alone. On prom night, friends may try to use peer pressure to entice you to have a drink or two, but be sure to think about the dangers that come with underage drinking. Too many tragic incidents have already taken place where underage drinkers have gotten into driving accidents — causing lifelong injuries, paralysis, and for many even death.

For parents, make prom safety just as important as the dress your daughter will wear or the style of your son’s tuxedo. Giving teens your advice will play an important role when discussing teenage driving tips that might prevent them from becoming a tragic statistic on their prom night. Some tips you should cover are:

  1. Limit the number of kids in the car and make sure all passengers (including the driver) are wearing their seat belts.
  2. Instill the importance of concentration behind the wheel. Being distracted behind the wheel is a major cause of vehicle accidents, but its something that is very easy to avoid. Put down the phone, don’t listen to loud music and be sure to focus on the road.
  3. Discuss the dangers of drinking/drug use and driving. There will always be peer pressure and temptation on prom night. Be sure to remind your teen that the number one killer of teenagers is car accidents caused from driving under the influence.

Prom night is supposed to be something special and night full of great memories. As a teen you have your entire future ahead of you, so make sure it doesn’t get ruined by one night.

Big Game Day Safety Tips

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This Sunday marks the day football fans across the US wait for all year – the Big Game!   Whether you are hosting or attending a local gathering, be sure to play it smart and be safe.

Are you hosting?

1. Be sure your guests have designated drivers or check whether they have planned to use Uber or Lyft.

2.Keep the numbers of local cabs handy.

3. Serve high protein foods and make sure to have plenty of water and non-alcoholic drinks on hand.

4. Stop serving alcohol at the beginning of the 4th quarter.  Brew a large pot of coffee or tea and serve dessert.

 

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Are you attending a party or joining friends at a local bar?

1. Pace yourself and make sure to eat and alternate with water or other non-alcohol paintings.

2. Be sure to have a designated driver or give your keys to your party host.

3. Stop drinking at the beginning of the 4th quarter and order a coffee.

 

Remember the Big Game is supposed to a fun gathering with family and friends, together cheering and celebrating.  Be safe and be smart.

 

Tips Source: http://www.nj.gov/oag/Superbowl-SafetyTips(2×3).pdf

Keep the Privilege – Drive by the Rules!

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Picture Source: https://www.lakecountyfl.gov/media/news_releases/news_release.aspx?id=1962
Picture Source*

Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens ages 14-18 in the US?

In fact, in 2014, there were a total of 2,614 teen drivers (ages 15-19) involved in fatal crashes. There was an estimated 130,000 teens injured in motor vehicle crashes. Would you be prepared if your child was seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash?

A recent survey done by the National Center for Health Statistics, shows that only 25% of all parents have a serious talk with their children about the key components of driving; the positives and the dangers that they can face while on the road. This need to change.  All parents need to take the time to talk with their children about the many dangers of driving including alcohol, seat belts, using your phone, speeding, and extra passengers.

Impaired driving is one of the main reasons why teen drivers get into car accidents. Their vision, hearing and all other senses are off. Not being able to focus the correct way can cause drivers to swerve into other lanes, avoid spot signs and even prevent them from seeing other cars/pedestrians coming their way.

Here are 3 things you should cover with  your teen drivers before they go out on the road:

1. No one should drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs.

2. Even if the driver seems okay, do not accept a ride from someone who has been drinking or using drugs.

3. If you feel unsafe, call a friend or family member to pick you up before you get on the road.

 

* https://www.lakecountyfl.gov/media/news_releases/news_release.aspx?id=1962

Think before you Drive!

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Picture Source: http://baristanet.com/2014/12/drive-sober-get-pulled-campaign-crackdown-begins-today/

Summertime is a time where many people gather to enjoy their free time with friends and family. These can also be some of the most deadly times on the roads due to impaired driving. One of the deadliest and most often committed crimes is #drunkdriving. It is a serious safety epidemic in our country and across the world.

During the summer a nationwide campaign composed of thousands of traffic safety partner all join together to protect the public. The 2016 national drunk driving enforcement “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” goes into effect from August 17 to September 5, 2016. Prevention and arrest are the goals of this campaign. Drivers must perceive that the risk of being caught is too high before their behavior will change.

If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement right away. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost them their life. By increasing law enforcement efforts, raising the publics awareness, and maximizing your local resources, can make a huge difference to save more lives on roadways.

Here are 5 tips to remember for the next time you gather with friends and family and before you go out on the road:
  1. Be responsible. If you know that someone is drinking, do not let that person get into a car and drive away.
  2. Have a designated driver. A good way to figure this out is to decide who’s going to be doing the driving before you go out. Also make sure that person doesn’t drink any alcoholic beverages.
  3. Call a taxi or Uber as a back up. Sometimes you cannot rely on all designated drivers.
  4. Take keys. You shouldn’t be afraid to take someone’s car keys if you know that they have been drinking and that you are going to save their life.
  5. If you know that you have had too much to drink, stay put and sober up.

Are you an Aggressive Driver?

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Photo from Pintrest
Picture source: https://www.pinterest.com/faces4/aggressive-driving/

Are you an aggressive driver? Most people know it when they see it. According to law enforcement, aggressive driving is “a behind-the-wheel behavior that places others in danger through willful actions without regard to safety.”

Aggressive driving has become a very serious problem on our roadways. It has become a significant contributor to traffic fatalities. Many individuals drive aggressively every now and then.  They put themselves and others in potential danger, completely unaware that they are doing it.

Increasingly crowded roads can lead to the feeling of frustration- which can be responsible for cases of aggressive driving. Such as tailgating, failing to observe signs/regulations and even seeking confrontation with other drivers on the road. By taking part in these actions, many individuals have suffered from different injuries, some including life threatening.

Even though it is bad for individuals on the road, it is also bad for the environment. Research done at the Flemish Institute for Technological Research, has shown that individuals that suffer from road rage, especially during heavy traffic conditions can use up to 40 percent more fuel. Constantly slamming on the brake or the gas pedals more than you should produces additional greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the heat in the atmosphere.  These emissions are then responsible for the greenhouse effect, which ultimately leads to global warming.

Understanding the reasons of aggressive driving and how to stop it, can help boost traffic safety, as well as the safety of the environment.

  1. You should always show courtesy to other drivers.
  2. If you are on the road and are near an aggressive driver, avoid eye contact and allow them to pass and keep your distance.
  3. Lastly, if you are feeling aggressive behind the wheel, pull over and take a minute or two to breathe.

We all want to arrive home to our families.

Distracted Driving – The Basics

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driving_putyourphonedownsignDistracted Driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from their primary task of driving.  Types of distractions besides texting and using a cell phone include: eating and drinking, grooming, reading including maps, adjusting a radio or CD player. But because text messaging requires visual, manual and cognitive attention, it is by far the most alarming distraction.  Cell phone use may not be the only distraction for drivers, but when you combine the risk with the frequency and prevalence, the reason for putting an end to this deadly behavior becomes clear.

Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes from the road for an average of 4-6 seconds. When driving 55 mph, this is the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field BLIND.

 

What can we as drivers do immediately to avoid distraction?

  • put down the cell phone
  • pull over to talk or text
  • eat or drink only when the vehicle is stopped
  • pre-select your music playlist before starting out
  • take care of grooming at home

Small steps will make a big difference. Drivers who used their cell phones and were involved in a crash didn’t start their call with the intention of injuring or killing another person or themselves. Don’t become a statistic! You are driving a 2 ton vehicle. There’s a lot going on around you.

Stay focused. Stay alive.

Pay Attention

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Pay-attention1I turned into the street and moved into the right lane.  The light was in my favor and I signaled my intention to turn right.  But, I slammed on my brakes as I made the turn because a bicyclist who ran his red light almost ran into me.  I sat there fuming as he pedaled away totally oblivious to the accident he almost caused.

But there’s more.  A few blocks later, I put on my left turn blinker.  The driver of a car approaching in the opposite direction signaled that he was turning to his left.  Thank goodness I paused a moment before taking the turn.  If I had not, the car left would have crashed into mine because the driver didn’t turn left at all.  He drove straight ahead even as his left turn signal blinked.

If we’re on the road as motorists, pedestrians, or bicyclists, we all have to be careful and watch what we’re doing.  Stop lights are for everybody, those who are driving, walking or bicycling.  Turn signals mean the motorist or bicyclist (who should know hand signals) intends to turn.

It’s real simple.  Pay attention.