‘Hey, I'm walking here!'

MILFORD — The borough council, police department, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation sponsored a pedestrian safety awareness day last Friday. Motorists and passersby received safety tips about both walking and driving through the borough. Those crossing Broad at Catharine street during the two-hour event also received a special escort by two conspicuously dressed PennDot interns and Milford Borough Councilwoman, Linda Fean. Fean said that the idea began when the Milford Business Council expressed safety concerns about the heavy pedestrian traffic. The problem is both getting pedestrians to cross at the proper crosswalks and getting motorists to stop for them when they do, she said. “We want people to feel safe when they visit our town,” she added. Mike Cotter, PennDOT safety press officer, said that 60% of all pedestrian injuries occur outside of the crosswalk. In 2007, there were 4,670 accidents and 155 pedestrian fatalities in Pennsylvania. According to the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, refusing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks is a citable offense that carries with it a $50 fine and points on one’s license. Milford Borough President, Matt Osterberg said there have been no major incidents in Milford in the recent past, but that it is important to take preventative measures and continue to educate the public. In addition to the awareness day, Fean announced recently that yellow pedestrian signs, technically known as “channeling devices,” have been purchased by the borough and will be placed at every intersection along Broad Street to indicate crosswalks and alert motorists.