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A TOWN TRAFFIC SAFETY REMINDER & GUIDELINES
ABOUT MANHASSET SCHOOL OPENINGS
Manhasset, NY (September 4, 2007) – Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman and Councilwoman Maria-Christina Poons are urging all drivers to obey traffic and vehicular laws, signals and signs with the opening of the new school year. Supervisor Kaiman noted that “the Town has taken a strong and highly responsive leadership position in this regard. We are working closely with the county, state and federal governments to get this message out. The Federal Highway Administration has recommended the following guidelines to drivers.”
1. Drivers should be aware of a variety of situations, including the need to look for pedestrians in crosswalks and other designated crossings, as well as at all intersections,
2. Driver should remember to look for pedestrians when turning, and
3. Drivers should keep in mind that when a car is stopped ahead of you, there may be a pedestrian crossing.
The Supervisor also stated that “during this past year, residents have seen new traffic signage and improvements along various streets. I am very proud of our safety efforts and achievements. It is critical that we continue to improve pedestrian walkability and safety.
However, pedestrians also have a responsibility. I suggest that they follow the guidelines below set by Safe Kids Worldwide.”
1. Pedestrians should cross at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
2. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. Do not assume that because you see the driver, the driver can see you.
3. Look left, right and left again when crossing, and keep looking as you cross.
4. Walk, don’t run, across the street.
Councilwoman Poons stated, “I also want to remind everyone how important it is that students have a safe riding and walking environment to and from school. I urge drivers not to pass stopped school buses and emergency vehicles and to not go through red lights and STOP signs. Sadly, this is happening more frequently.”
She is also asking them “to be courteous and more patient when driving, and, in particular, to wait and make sure that pedestrians who are crossing the street get to the other side safely. This is a quality of life issue. Please slow down. We need to safeguard our friends and families,” she noted. In this regard, she has also been working closely with the Nassau County Police Department’s 6th Precinct and the Town of North Hempstead’s Parking Enforcement Division about some of Manhasset’s traffic safety issues.
“School has opened again,” Councilwoman Poons noted. “I urge the Manhasset driving community to come together and ensure that our students are safe along all of our roads.”