Police promote new pedestrian safety program
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City of Warren Police are working to keep people safe while crossing the street.
A new pedestrian safety program will be hitting the ground soon.
"People will be seeing the officers downtown on foot," Capt. Jeff Dougherty said. "We're going to get out and talk to pedestrians."
The effort will focus on four Pennsylvania Avenue intersections -- with Hickory, Liberty, Market, and East streets.
Officers will talk to the people they see, offering information about how to stay safe:
¯ cross only at crosswalks;
¯ look left, then right, then left again, and keep looking;
¯ wait for a gap in traffic, then step on foot off the curb - make eye contact with approaching drivers;
¯ always obey traffic signs and signals -- especially pedestrian countdown timers;
¯ see and be seen -- drivers need to see you to avoid you;
¯ watch for turning vehicles, even if you have the right-of-way;
¯ watch your children;
¯ on streets with multiple lanes in each direction, be award of drivers in both lanes;
¯ in no sidewalk is available, walk against traffic and as far to the side of the road as possible; and
¯ always be aware of your surroundings.
The effort is funded by a grant from PennDOT -- officers working on the pedestrian education program will be paid with grant dollars.
"The goal is to make contact with pedestrians," Dougherty said. "It's an educational piece. If people have questions or concerns, officers will address them."