HARRISBURG, Pa. — Police in Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County are encouraging drivers and pedestrians to keep an eye out for each other on the road as part of Pedestrian Safety Week.
“It does remain a problem throughout the county and in Lower Paxton Township," said Lt. Autumn Lupey.
This week, the Lower Paxton Township Police Department is participating in a pedestrian enforcement wave at several locations throughout the township. Lieutenant Lupey said the patrols will crack down on traffic violations in an effort to prevent pedestrian crashes.
She said the township has responded to four crashes so far in 2024.
“We’ve had four pedestrians struck, resulting in four injuries," said Lt. Lupey. "No one was killed in those incidents, but we’ve had fatalities in the past.”
On Monday, two Lower Paxton Police officers recorded 14 traffic violations in four hours while patrolling at the corner of Rutherford and Londonderry Road. She said a different patrol of that crosswalk earlier in the year resulted in 17 violations.
"The common thing we were hearing from motorists was they couldn't see the flashing lights on the crosswalk signs, and they did not see the person in the crosswalk," said Lt. Lupey.
Blane Gadberry said he is not surprised to hear about the number of traffic violations at that location. He said he's had to dodge oncoming drivers while crossing the road during his daily walk.
The speed limit is 35 and most of them are going 50 mph or more," said Gadberry. "They think it’s a speedway.”
The crosswalk is a couple hundred feet away from Central Dauphin East High School. Gadberry said most of the students remain vigilant while crossing the street, however, the drivers could still pose a danger to those using the crosswalk after school.
“Most of the kids, when they get off school, they come up here and head towards their houses that way," said Gadberry. "It can be a dangerous spot."
Gadberry said drivers and pedestrians need to stay vigilant to prevent serious crashes.
"People need to slow down and follow the rules, and then I think we'll be much better off," said Gadberry.