In connection with a statewide pedestrian safety enforcement wave, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and its safety partners are reminding motorists and pedestrians to always be on the lookout for each other.
“Whether you are walking, driving, or riding your bike, it is critical for everyone to be aware of their surroundings,” said Community Traffic Safety Project Coordinator Mike Tautin of the Highway Safety Network. “And when you are walking, you should also make sure others are aware of you. Crashes happen in a matter of seconds. Being visible and predictable with your actions can be the difference between safety and tragedy.”
According to PennDOT data, there were 103 pedestrian-involved crashes last year in PennDOT’s District 1, which includes Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties. A total of 93 injuries and 11 fatalities were reported in these crashes.
During the current enforcement wave that began April 28 and extends through May 11, 2025, the following police departments and other local law enforcement agencies may be engaging in roving patrols to help prevent pedestrian-related crashes from happening: Sharpsville Police Department, Sharon Police Department, Grove City Police Department, Franklin Police Department, Sugarcreek Police Department, Oil City Police Department, Meadville Police Department, Warren Police Department, Erie Police Department, and Millcreek Township Police Department.
“These enforcement efforts have multiple objectives, but above all else, we want to make sure people are safe and we don’t see the unnecessary loss of life,” said Millcreek Township Police Department Traffic Officer Cpl. Matthew Shollenberger. “We can accomplish that through enforcing the state’s laws and making sure to use these opportunities to educate both motorists and pedestrians of what is expected of them on our roadways.”
PennDOT offers the following safety tips for pedestrians and motorists:
- When a pedestrian crosses the street in a crosswalk, the driver must yield.
- If a pedestrian crosses the street not at an intersection and there is no crosswalk, the pedestrian must yield to vehicles.
- When crossing the street at a signalized intersection, both pedestrians and motorists must obey the traffic control devices.
- Pedestrians should wear bright, reflective clothing to remain visible to motorists, avoid distractions, and look both ways before crossing the street.
- Motorists should slow down when approaching crosswalks or intersections, expect the unexpected, and eliminate all distractions when behind the wheel.
For more information on pedestrian safety, visit www.penndot.pa.gov/safety.
MEDIA CONTACT: Saxon Daugherty, 814-678-7095 or sadaughert@pa.gov
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