Pedestrian Safety in Hellertown: A Reminder for Drivers and WalkersPedestrian Safety in Hellertown: A Reminder for Drivers and Walkers The Hellertown Police Department has issued a statement urging both drivers and pedestrians to prioritize safety on the borough’s roadways. Responsibilities for Drivers: * Stop at marked zebra crossings when pedestrians are present or preparing to cross. * Maintain alertness and reduce speed in areas with crosswalks. * Allow pedestrians to cross at least one lane beyond the vehicle’s lane before proceeding. * Avoid passing vehicles that are stopped or slowing down at crosswalks. Responsibilities for Pedestrians: * Cross at designated zebra crossings and obey traffic signals. * Look past stopped vehicles before crossing to ensure all lanes are clear. * Make eye contact with drivers to establish visibility before crossing. Additional Considerations for Drivers: * Be aware of cyclists and skateboarders who may approach crosswalks at higher speeds than pedestrians. * Cyclists are not considered pedestrians unless walking their bikes and must follow all traffic laws. Hellertown’s Pedestrian Infrastructure: * Rt. 412 (Main Street) carries significant traffic, making pedestrian safety a priority. * The borough has installed flashing signs at intersections along Main Street and other crosswalks to enhance visibility. Safety Tips: * For drivers: Slow down and look around to ensure the safety of pedestrians. * For pedestrians: Slow down and look around before crossing the street. Recent Incidents and Safety Measures: * In 2020, a pedestrian fatality occurred on Main Street, prompting the installation of pedestrian safety features. * In 2022, a teenage girl was injured while attempting to cross outside a crosswalk. Conclusion: The Hellertown Police Department emphasizes the shared responsibility of drivers and pedestrians to maintain a safe environment on local roadways. By adhering to these guidelines and exercising caution, the community can work together to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all.
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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.
