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Pace Car Challenge

Nutley Pace Car and Pedestrian Education Program

Setting the pace for a higher standard of safety

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About the Nutley Pace Car Pledge

Mayor Kelly and Commissioner Petracco are pleased to announce that they are partnering to raise awareness regarding vehicle and pedestrian safety through the Nutley Pace Car initiative, which originally launched in 2015.

By taking the Nutley Pace Car pledge, Nutley drivers commit to driving the speed limit, stopping for pedestrians, sharing the road, and eliminating distracted driving. Nutley Pace Car participants are designated by the Nutley Pace Car magnet on their vehicles.

Nutley pedestrians taking the pledge commit to recognizing and obeying rules of the roadways and crosswalks, avoiding the use of cell phones and headphones that act as a distraction, dressing appropriately for early morning and evening walks, and always staying aware of their surroundings. By agreeing to these simple but effective rules, a higher standard of safety for the community can be achieved.

Can one driver really make a difference? Yes!

Every Pace Car helps slow traffic, creating an effect that can soon be felt town-wide. The Pace Car magnet communicates your intentions to other drivers as you model courtesy and safe driving. As more people consider walking and biking to be good options, traffic is reduced, and our streets become safer for everyone. Pledge to make a difference today!

Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility among pedestrians, drivers, and all road users. All parties must follow rules, stay alert, and take steps to prevent accidents.

As a Nutley Pace Car driver, you pledge to:

  • Drive the speed limit.
  • Eliminate texting and phone use while driving.
  • Stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks.
  • Yield to pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks at intersections.
  • Share the road with pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and abilities.
  • Display the Nutley Pace Car magnet on your vehicle.
  • Encourage others to take the pledge.

As a Nutley pedestrian, you pledge to:

  • Cross at crosswalks.
  • Be conscious of your surroundings especially when using technology.
  • Be alert and attentive to cars, bicycles, and other walkers.
  • Wear brightly colored clothing or reflectors especially before dawn and after dusk.

Two Ways to Pledge

  1. Print and complete the Pace Car Pledge Form (PDF)
    Drop off your completed pledge form and pick up your magnet at the Nutley Health Department, 149 Chestnut St, the Nutley Public Safety Building, 228 Chestnut Street, or the Nutley Town Hall, 1 Kennedy Drive, as well as various businesses in town displaying the Pace Car Pledge poster.
  2. Pledge Online
    Once you’ve pledged online, you can pick up your magnet at the Nutley Health Department, 149 Chestnut St, the Nutley Public Safety Building, 228 Chestnut Street, or the Nutley Town Hall, 1 Kennedy Drive, as well as various businesses in town displaying the Pace Car Pledge poster.

Pedestrian Education

Despite Nutley’s walkable design, pedestrians face serious safety issues and barriers to walking, including the amount/speed of traffic and a widespread disregard by drivers of the NJ pedestrian safety law that requires them to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks at intersections. These threats are particularly acute for children and seniors.

Learn how pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages can also do their parts to keep themselves safe and help make Nutley streets safer.

Parents & Caregivers

Teaching Children to Walk Safely as They Grow and Develop: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

National Center for Safe Routes to School (NCSRTS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Walking, first as a child holding the hand of a caring adult, is a form of transportation used throughout life. Being able to walk safely is an important skill that needs to be developed over time, starting with those first hand-held walks. This guide is intended to help parents and caregivers match their guidance and expectations with their children's abilities.

Children

Pedestrian Safer Journey: Skills for Safe Walking for Ages 5 to 18

Federal Highway Administration (FHA)

Whether walking with adult family members or with friends, learning basic pedestrian safety may help prevent injuries and prepare school-age children and youth for a lifetime of safe walking. As young people become drivers, it may help them be more aware of pedestrians as they navigate their community’s streets.

Teens

Tips for Preteens & Teens: Prevent Pedestrian Crashes

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Walking around traffic requires the same critical thinking skills as riding your bike and driving a car. Apply the same walking skills you learned as a kid: stop, look left-right-left for traffic and be safe, be seen. Use these skills when you walk, and encourage others to do the same.

Seniors

Seniors Stepping Out—Mature Adults, Be Healthy, Walk Safely

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

  • A quick refresher on the health benefits of walking.
  • Resources for getting started and planning what level of activity is best for you.
  • Ideas for incorporating walking into your everyday schedule and staying motivated to continue walking.
  • Tips for staying safe at intersections, in parking lots, in non-sidewalk areas, and in bad weather.
  • Suggestions for making your community a safer place to walk.

Questions

Call (973) 284-4976, email nutleypacecar@nutleynj.org, or message us on Facebook or X.