BETHLEHEM, Pa. – It’s almost back-to-school time for students.
Thursday morning, officials in Bethlehem reminded drivers and pedestrians alike to abide by pedestrian safety laws.
69 News Reporter Cierra Genelle was at West Union Boulevard and 10th Avenue right across from Nitschmann Middle School with more on their efforts. School starts on Monday for Bethlehem Area School District.
The morning has been dedicated to educating motorists and pedestrians on their responsibilities at crosswalks.
We witnessed police pulling over a handful of drivers for not yielding to pedestrians Thursday morning.
But officials say the problems can resonate between a combination of driver and pedestrian inattentiveness.
Drivers are encouraged to:
-Slow down in school zones
-Be aware of buses
-Watch for students walking to and from school
-Pay attention to weather and lighting conditions, especially early in the morning when students are arriving to school.
In Pennsylvania, drivers must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms.
Violations can include a hefty fine, points on a license, and even a license suspension.
For pedestrians, police stress the importance of not being distracted on a cellphone, looking both ways, using marked crosswalks, and crosswalks with crossing guards.
“Our kids are our future, and of course, you know, that is the most important thing to us is to make sure that they get to school safely,” said Sgt. Jeffrey Fehr, with the Bethlehem Police Department.
The reminders come as Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio says pedestrian deaths in the county so far this year have surpassed last year’s total.
Thursday morning’s event is one of many throughout the year that brings PennDOT, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Bethlehem Health Bureau, and police together to highlight the importance of road safety.