Pedestrian and Driver Safety ReminderPedestrian and Driver Safety Reminder The Hellertown Police Department has emphasized the responsibilities of both drivers and pedestrians within the neighborhood. Drivers’ Responsibilities: * Stop at marked zebra crossings when pedestrians attempt to cross or make their intention to do so clear. * Remain alert and reduce speed in areas with crosswalks. * Come to a complete stop when pedestrians are crossing or preparing to cross. * Allow pedestrians to cross fully before proceeding. * Never pass a vehicle that has stopped or slowed down for a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Pedestrians’ Responsibilities: * Cross at designated zebra crossings and adhere to traffic signals. * Look past stopped vehicles before crossing to ensure all lanes are clear. * Establish eye contact with approaching drivers to confirm they have been seen. Additional Considerations: * Drivers are reminded to be aware of cyclists and skateboarders, who may approach crosswalks at higher speeds than pedestrians. * Cyclists are not legally considered pedestrians unless dismounted from their bikes. They must obey traffic laws and utilize designated bike lanes or trails. Traffic Volume and Pedestrian Safety Improvements: Hellertown’s Main Street (Rt. 412) experiences significant traffic, highlighting the importance of safety measures. In response, the borough has installed pedestrian safety features such as flashing signs at intersections. Recent Incidents and Safety Appeal: The department has urged both drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution following incidents involving pedestrian fatalities and injuries in the area. They advise individuals to “slow down” and “look around” to enhance safety.
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The Hellertown Police Department has issued a statement reminding drivers of their responsibilities to pedestrians in the neighborhood, and vice versa.
Above, a driver heads north through the intersection of Thomas Avenue at Main Street in Hellertown on Tuesday afternoon. The intersection is equipped with flashing signs that can be activated by pedestrians to help them cross.
The email sent on Tuesday stressed the importance of drivers following traffic rules, including stopping at marked zebra crossings when pedestrians are crossing or plan to do so.
“Stay alert and reduce your speed in areas with crosswalks,” police advised. “Come to a complete stop when pedestrians are crossing or preparing to cross; wait until pedestrians have crossed at least one lane beyond the lane you are in before proceeding; (and) never pass another vehicle that is stopped or slowing in a crosswalk.”
Police say pedestrians should always cross at marked zebra crossings and obey all traffic signals. They should also look past stopped vehicles before crossing to ensure all lanes are clear of oncoming traffic.
“If a vehicle is approaching, make eye contact with the driver to ensure he/she sees you before crossing,” they advised.
The email also noted that drivers should watch out for cyclists and skateboarders, who often approach zebra crossings at higher speeds than pedestrians.
Police said that under state law, cyclists are not considered pedestrians unless they are walking their bikes. Cyclists must obey all traffic laws and use marked bike lanes or multi-use trails when available, they added.
Hellertown borough is notable for the fact that it is bisected by a major thoroughfare, Rt. 412, which is also Main Street in the borough. During the week, traffic on Rt. 412 in the Hellertown area can exceed 20,000 vehicles.
In June 2020, a female pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Main Street, and in August 2022, police reported that a teenage girl was injured while attempting to cross the street outside a crosswalk. In recent years, the city has also installed pedestrian safety features, such as flashing signs that can be activated at various intersections along Main Street and at other crosswalks.
Hellertown police on Tuesday advised both drivers and pedestrians to “slow down” and “look around” to stay safe.
This local news story was reported using generative AI.
