Reflective Safety Vests Available
Wearing reflective materials after dark can improve pedestrian visibility and increase safety.
The Borough of Garwood has announced that it will distribute dozens of reflective safety vests to seniors to improve their visibility with motorists while walking at night during the winter months when days are the shortest.
“Public safety remains a top priority for the Borough,” Mayor Sara Todisco said. “Wearing reflective materials when outside after dark can help to prevent tragedies.”
According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 76% of pedestrian fatalities are at night, and 22% of all pedestrian fatalities were people 65 and older. The organization recommends that pedestrians wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night. A reflective vest is visible hundreds of feet away, giving motorists time to react and avoid hitting a pedestrian.
Seniors living in Garwood can request a reflective safety vest by visiting the Garwood Police Department headquarters at 403 South Ave., Garwood, and ringing the dispatch bell within the vestibule, or by contacting Police Commissioner and Councilman Michael Ince at (908) 472-1556 or mince@garwood.org.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for seniors to obtain a reflective vest and protect themselves, especially during the dark winter nights,” said Mayor Todisco. “As we continue to prioritize public safety, we will continue to explore additional opportunities to make our town safe for everyone.”
