STAY AWARE

Never have there been SOOOO many distractions on the road. These distractions at critical times can mean the difference between life and death for a pedestrian, cyclist or motorist.

With kids back to school, the stakes have never been higher.

PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS: As West Chester endeavors to be more pedestrian friendly, our community must learn to be more mindful of pedestrian crossings at intersections and mid-block. Pedestrians in a crosswalk with a “walk” signal have the right-of-way and motorists must wait for the pedestrian to safely cross. Same is true at a mid-block signalized pedestrian crossing.

Mid-block crossings in Olde West Chester and on West Chester Road (between Lakota West and the MidPointe Library) can be especially vulnerable when motorists and pedestrians are distracted. When the stakes are so high, however, pedestrians and motorists should be VERY focused and aware of their surroundings.

Before stepping into the roadway, pedestrians must be aware off their surroundings – take headphones off and put the cell phone away – before making sure traffic has stopped first and then stepping off the curb.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY: When a school bus is stopped and has its warning features activated, motorists travelling in both directions must stop and patiently wait. Children getting on and off the school bus count on motorists heeding the warnings of the school bus driver.