CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — Although crossing the street safely should be a simple thing to do, it has become a problem for many individuals.
On Wednesday morning, officials from the Clarion Borough Police, Clarion University Public Safety, and the state Department of Transportation’s District 10 office gathered at the intersection of Arnold Street and Route 322 at Starbuck’s, one of the borough’s busier crosswalks, to get the word out about pedestrian safety.
Deborah Casadei, District 10’s public information officer, told exploreClarion.com, “Our goal is to not have any accidents, pedestrian-involved or otherwise, and there are ways that we can achieve that.”
“It may not be realistic, but we never want to see someone get hurt or worse.”
Casadei shared some eye-opening statistics about pedestrian safety.
According to PennDOT statistics, there have been 52 major injuries or fatalities since 2012 in District 10’s five-county area — Clarion, Jefferson, Butler, Armstrong, and Indiana counties. Nine of the 52 occurred in Clarion County, including three fatalities.
A Clarion County resident, who chose to remain anonymous, told exploreClarion.com, “It’s unsafe to cross the streets — at the designated crosswalks. Drivers don’t slow down. I am careful to look both ways, and I make sure that drivers traveling in both directions have stopped before I cross. I can estimate that it usually takes at least five drivers to pass me before one stops for me to cross. It is frustrating. I believe there needs to be increased police presence on Main Street. Oftentimes, I wonder if drivers know the traffic rules at crosswalks. I want to get the word out that — pedestrians have the right-of-way at the crosswalks! Drivers need to have costly fines, as I feel that my life is in danger every time I cross the street.”
“Last week I saw a bicyclist nearly hit by a car at a red light. The crosswalk signal indicated for the bicyclist to cross the street; however, a driver was not paying attention, and quickly stopped at the traffic signal, nearly hitting the bicycle. And, the driver beeped his horn at the bicyclist — as it if were his fault.”
For Clarion Police Chief William Peck, it’s a matter of both drivers and pedestrians respecting each other.
“We have some very busy intersections, and everyone needs to be careful,” Chief Peck said. “Texting and driving is against the law, texting and walking is not safe either, and jaywalking is another bad pedestrian behavior.”
When asked about what can be done by municipalities, Peck said Clarion Borough will be repainting its crosswalks as soon as the weather stabilizes and is warmer.
“We are also going to step up enforcement, and while speeding drivers aren’t a major problem in the borough, just a few miles per hour over the limit can result in accidents. You have to use common sense, look both ways and look again, pay attention,” Peck said.
For Clarion University Safety Inspector John Massa, getting people to understand how to be safe is the main goal.
“We’re trying to raise awareness, so we don’t have accidents in the borough,” Massa said.
PennDOT provided the following safety tips for motorists and pedestrians:
For motorists, they should –
– Slow down when approaching a crosswalk;
– Give pedestrians the right way;
– Make eye contact with crossing pedestrians to indicate you see them;
– Avoid distractions/Do not text and drive;
– Stay alert.
For pedestrians, they should –
– Look left, right, and left again for oncoming traffic before crossing;
– Make eye contact with motorists before crossing the street;
– Wear light-colored, reflective clothing to be seen easier;
– Avoid distractions/Do not text and walk;
– Stay Alert.
