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Bergen's Dangerous Roads: 55 Pedestrians Killed Over Three Years

More pedestrians died on Routes 4 and 17 than on any other road in Bergen County over a three-year period, according to a non-profit group that wants New Jersey to increase the gas tax to fund transportation safety improvements.

MORE: www.tstc.org

MORE: www.tstc.org

Photo Credit: The Tri-State Transportation Campaign

A total of 55 pedestrians were killed on Bergen roads from 2012 through 2014, the Tri-State Transportation Campaign reports. The numbers increased from 10 the first year to 21 in 2013 and 24 the year after.

In particular, the group pointed to the stretch of Route 4 that is Broadway and Elmwood Park and Fair Lawn.

A total of 23 people were killed on Passaic roads in that time, including four on the stretch of Route 46 that is Piaget Avenue.

In its report, the TSTC urged state lawmakers and Gov. Christie to boost the state gas tax for the first time in 28 years and dedicate all of the revenue to the Transportation Trust Fund.

It also called on state officials to adopt Safe Passing legislation to "enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, construction workers and law enforcement officers," among other measures.

Since its founding 20 years ago, the Tri-State Transportation Campaign has claimed responsibility for "halting highway widenings, fighting fare increases and service cuts, encouraging smart growth approaches at state departments of transportation, and calling for millions of dollars of investment in public transportation, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit-oriented development initiatives."

"Still, in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut metro area, there are many challenges to be addressed," it says.

Nearly 1,500 people are killed in car and truck crashes in the region, including more 400 pedestrians, accounting for more than one-quarter of all traffic deaths, over the period studied, the group says.

The group culled the data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (2012, 2013 and 2014). The figures excluded interstates, highways and other roads where pedestrians are prohibited.

The information includes fact sheets and maps that identify the locations of pedestrian fatalities and the age and gender of those killed.

MORE: www.tstc.org

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