Motorists Urged to Reduce Speed in Mount Pleasant
The recent death of a pedestrian in Valhalla has prompted Mount Pleasant officials to launch an effort alerting motorists to reduce speed and obey traffic laws in town.
The town has initiated a “team up to slow down” campaign in hopes of increasing pedestrian safety, particularly school children. Fliers featuring multiple messages such as don’t drink and drive, don’t text and drive and for motorists to slow down because of a pedestrian crossing are being distributed to schools and businesses.
Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi said last Wednesday the campaign is taking place in response to the death of a Yorktown woman earlier this month who was struck and killed attempting to cross Columbus Avenue.
“The purpose of this initiative is to make drivers aware that Mount Pleasant is serious about putting pedestrian safety first,” Fulgenzi said. “Speeders will be held accountable.”
Fulgenzi said police typically increase patrols and enforcement of traffic laws when schools open in September.
“After the unfortunate accident in Valhalla recently where a young lady was killed crossing Columbus Avenue, we have increased our focus on crossings throughout the town,” he said. “Although the accident was not speed related, it has brought additional attention to school zones “
Though the campaign has its limits, the effort is intended to raise awareness about pedestrian safety, particularly for students.
“You cannot control the actions of all drivers, but heightened patrols, speed traps and possible warning lights will help, especially to bring attention to pedestrian crosswalks where children frequent especially before and after school,” Fulgenzi said.
“Our police department has already made great progress in initiating their program,” he added. “Our goal is to make Mount Pleasant a safer community.”
Fulgenzi said the program will be permanent to make sure there is a clear message that the town is serious about it residents and pedestrian safety.
Anyone who witnesses unsafe driving is asked to call the town police department at 914-769-1941 and report the location of the offending car and its license plate number.
