From the Chief's Desk

Mayor James Davis, Chief of Police Robert Geisler and Pam O’Donnell of the Catch You Later Foundation announce the City of Bayonne Traffic Enforcement Initiative Against Aggressive and Distracted Driving.

As the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic begin to fade in our rearview mirror and the time to Fall Back One Hour has pulled up alongside us the Bayonne Police Department, led by the Traffic Enforcement Unit, has begun an enforcement campaign against aggressive and distracted driving.

The disruption and anxiety that Covid-19 created in our everyday life has led to increased levels of driving infractions. Drivers get distracted by cell phone calls and text messages, take their eyes off the road or simply don’t pay attention. Aggressive drivers hit the gas pedal too hard, switch lanes without warning or follow other drivers too closely. A typical road rage incident happens when at least one driver chooses to act out in anger. Usually, the driver is already feeling stress when something triggers an aggressive reaction. Many road-rage drivers reported being under duress in other areas of their lives, like work or relationships, all of which contribute to a driver’s stress level, making them more vulnerable to engaging in irrational behavior.

A 2006 study finds that almost 80 percent of all crashes involve some kind of distraction in the three seconds immediately before the accident. When you’re driving, the only thing that should be on your mind is the road in front of you. Put your cell phone out of reach, even if it’s hands-free.

The return to Daylight Standard Time means it has become darker earlier, abruptly changing the driving conditions we are accustomed to. With the wetter weather and falling leaves road conditions deteriorate, making walking, bicycling and driving more hazardous and difficult.

This public awareness and education campaign is being backed up by high-visibility enforcement. Over the next several months, and beyond, you will see-

— DUI checkpoints and patrols specifically focused on suspected impaired drivers.

— Enforcement operations focused on suspected distracted drivers in violation of New Jersey’s cell phone law.

— Bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operations focused on driver behaviors that put vulnerable road users at risk.

— Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.

The City of Bayonne is committed to bringing awareness to the hazards of aggressive and distracted driving. Police traffic enforcement reduces crash injuries and fatalities. We save lives.

The Bayonne Police Department has completed the installation of a “Project Medicine Drop Box” to assist residents in the disposal of dispose of unused, expired, or unwanted prescription pills and tablets medication. Project Medicine Drop Box is an important component of the Bayonne Police Department’s effort to stop the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs, including highly addictive opiate painkillers. Bayonne residents can take an active role in the fight against the nationwide epidemic of opiate and heroin abuse, which is often fueled by the abuse of prescription painkillers.

Mayor Jimmy Davis and Police Chief Robert Geisler announced that the Bayonne Police Department is bringing back bicycle patrols after an absence of several years.  Bicycle patrols will supplement the work of officers in patrol cars.

Mayor Davis said, “Bicycle patrols enable officers to move quickly.  Bicycles can fit in some places where police cars are unable to go.  They will provide the Police Department with visibility in a variety of different situations in the community.”  Mayor Davis added, “Bicycle patrols will be especially useful during the summer months when many of our residents are outdoors.”

Chief Geisler said, “Bicycle Patrols take the Police Officers out of the cars and insert them in our neighborhoods, allowing our Police Officers to interact with the community members.   Bicycle patrols help to bring Police Officers and community members together to prevent crime and solve neighborhood problems.”  Chief Geisler continued, “This type of patrol has been successful in the past and I am confident that this re-launch of our bicycle patrols will have a positive impact on the Bayonne Police Department’s ability to help keep our community safe.”

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, bicycle patrols were common in American police departments.  They made a comeback in the 1980’s and 1990’s in many urban police departments.  In the 1990’s and the early 2000’s, the Bayonne Police Department utilized bicycle patrols in municipal parks, at street fairs and around public housing complexes.