May. 10, 2019
By Rep. Steve Mentzer (R-Lititz)
The number of pedestrian deaths in traffic accidents has been increasing according to a 2017 report from the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration. That report shows that pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. increased by 27 percent between 2007 and 2016.
As the weather continues to warm up, more and more Pennsylvanians will ride their bicycles on the roads. Both motorists and bicyclists and pedestrians can work together to ensure everyone shares the road and gets home safely.
Many of us know there have been tragedies on our roadways involving pedestrians and cyclists. In Lancaster County, eight pedestrians died in traffic accidents in 2018 alone. In January of this year, two boys died after being hit by vehicles in separate incidents. All of us, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and motorists, need to be aware of our surroundings at all times.
Pedestrians crossing the street have the right of way. Motorists and bicyclists have the right to use the roads in Pennsylvania and should work to maintain a 4-foot barrier between each other when passing. Motorists are allowed to overtake a bicycle in a no-passing zone, provided they leave a 4-foot clearance.