Enthusiasm for helmet reward program has gotten out of hand
By: Casha Caponegro
Cranbury youngsters are enthusiastic about his summer’s Headsmart program.
But, according to police, this enthusiasm has gotten slightly out of control and the program has not even started yet.
Headsmart is sponsored by the Cranbury Fraternal Order of Police in conjunction with the Brian Injury Association of N.J., Inc.. It rewards children seen by police riding their bikes, skateboarding or in-line skating with a helmet on by giving them tickets redeemable for a slice of pizza and soda at Cranbury Pizza. The program begins Sunday and runs until Aug. 30.
However, Patrol Officer Peter Ziegler, FOP president, said children wearing helmets have been calling out to police officers asking for their tickets, sometimes during traffic stops.
"We have a situation where kids are already coming up to police cars when their lights are on for a motor vehicle stop," said Officer Ziegler.
Officer Ziegler said the situation could be a safety hazard.
"I want to ask parents to advise their kids not to approach police cars, especially when they have their lights on."
Officer Ziegler said he is touched by the excitement the youngsters are showing for the Headsmart program and is happy to see the kids proudly showing off their safety helmets even if it is for free pizza.