The September Expenditure list has finally been released to the public.
I had filed a Right To Know asking for receipts from the Look Up Lebo campaign. All receipts, which were available, were given to me, and I shared in my September post, Look Up Lebo Update.
The costs of the Look Up Lebo stickers and flags are included in the September Expenditure list.
3,000 Look Up Lebo stickers cost $927, while the flags cost $879.66. The audio and video cost $449. According to Susan Morgans' report, the stickers and flags expenditures should be covered by the $5,000 grant from Allstate.
Compare Mt. Lebanon's investment for pedestrian safety to the $9,000 handed over to Tony DeNicola for the 700-900 deer his Cornell buddy estimated we had. Tony says that the hunters killed about half as many deer as last year. He isn't comparing apples to apples because this year's numbers should include kills from the 25 additional acres in Twin Hills Park, located in Scott Township.
So while the pedestrian safety budget is nominal, the commissioners are gearing up to spend another $80,000 to kill our stealthy deer. It is to "reduce deer/vehicle collisions." Of course. But as Commissioner Dave Brumfield realized, there is no way to measure the success of the killing program through tracking accidents. Accidents have declined. Dead deer pick ups have declined. Yet reported collisions have increased more than 80%. Either the deer are being raptured, or false collision reports are on the rise.
I have also noticed that Mt. Lebanon charges itself $1,040 per month for staff parking. I don't quite understand that concept. Would someone please explain to me how an entity can charge itself and then claim it as income?
Cell phone expenses are outrageous as usual.
Showing posts with label pedestrian safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pedestrian safety. Show all posts
Monday, November 21, 2016
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
ALWAYS stop for pedestrians in crosswalks says ACHD
ALWAYS stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and be cautious at intersections.
ALWAYS means always, Mt. Lebanon Commissioners. Your new banners strategically placed at dangerous intersections for pedestrians, are subliminally telling drivers that they have the right of way. What color is the car in Dave Brumfield's new Look Up Lebo program? Green.
OK, time is up, Commissioners. I hope you know that ALWAYS stop means...ALWAYS stop.
Pedestrian Lives Matter, except in Mt. Lebanon where elected Commissioners prefer to blame the victims of vehicle-pedestrian accidents.
ALWAYS means always, Mt. Lebanon Commissioners. Your new banners strategically placed at dangerous intersections for pedestrians, are subliminally telling drivers that they have the right of way. What color is the car in Dave Brumfield's new Look Up Lebo program? Green.
Last I checked, green means GO.
So here is a little test for the commissioners. If we are to ALWAYS stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, according to the Allegheny County Health Department:
What are drivers to do if the walking man is shown?
What are drivers to do if there is a blinking hand?
What are drivers to do if there is a steady hand?
(queue the music)
OK, time is up, Commissioners. I hope you know that ALWAYS stop means...ALWAYS stop.
Pedestrian Lives Matter, except in Mt. Lebanon where elected Commissioners prefer to blame the victims of vehicle-pedestrian accidents.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Proposed Amendment to the Pedestrian Ordinance UPDATED!!!
On Monday, February 22, 2016, Chief Lauth will be providing an overview and clarification of the proposed amendment to the pedestrian ordinance.
I sent an email to the municipality and school district noting the discrepancy concerning the number of pedestrians hit in November 2014. I surmised that the kids will be blamed for getting their numbers wrong. I included a link to an article in The Devils Advocate.
Aaron Lauth responded with:
Ms. Gillen,
Without actually researching the incidents, it would appear that the statistics provided to the Devil's Advocate were for the 12 month period prior to the article being written, rather than since January 1, 2014. Whether the actual number was 14, 11 or 1, it is the opinion of the Mt. Lebanon Police Department that any incidents involving pedestrians being struck by vehicles is too many. When a vehicle weighing 4,000 to 5,000 lbs strikes a person, it rarely turns out good.
To clarify, pedestrian violations are just a small part of the planned comprehensive pedestrian/bicycle/vehicle safety campaign that we will be introducing over the next few months. Our campaign will be heavily focused on educational messages and enforcement efforts directed toward drivers since we know that they play a significant role in keeping our street safe. As part of the educational initiative, we intend to warn, and possibly cite violators when infractions occur that contribute to unsafe conditions, especially for pedestrians and bicyclists. Since more than half of our pedestrian vs. vehicle crashes are typically the fault of the pedestrian, I believe that we have a responsibility to address these violations as well.
A historical analysis of pedestrian vs. vehicle crashes also tells us that most of these incidents are occurring in our urban/business districts. Therefore, the focus of our educational and enforcement efforts, specifically toward improving pedestrian safety, will be the business districts in our community.
The overall goal of our upcoming campaign will be to encourage everyone to contribute to the overall improved safety of our streets. I am hopeful that you and the readers of your blog will be supportive in assisting us to get this message of improved safety out to the community when our campaign is introduced.
Thanks,
Chief Lauth also shared the media release about the February 13, 2016 pedestrian who was hit in a crosswalk on Washington Road
Update February 22, 2016 9:30 AM John Bendel did not realize that this amended ordinance applies to the entire municipality. Technically, I can get cited for jaywalking when I visit my neighbor across the street and not walk two thirds up the street to the cross walk and then walk back down.
As a follow up to our conversation, I contacted our solicitor and police chief regarding the pedestrian ordinance.
>
> As we discussed, there was some confusion on whether the new provisions in the proposed pedestrian ordinance apply to the business districts only (Beverly and Washington rd.) or to the entire municipality. Our solicitor confirmed that the new provisions as written in the ordinance apply to all signalized intersections in the municipality. I wasn't clear on this point.
>
> Below is an excerpt from the police chief's response to my question on this issue.
>
> "Please also consider that this ordinance is just a small part of the planned comprehensive pedestrian/bicycle/vehicle safety campaign that we will be introducing over the next few months. Since the historical statistics for pedestrian vs. vehicle crashes tell us that most of these incidents are occurring in our urban/business districts, the focus of our educational efforts, specifically toward improving pedestrian safety, will be the business districts in our community. In other words, while the ordinance may address all intersections as is required by the statute, our efforts related to pedestrian safety will be focused in areas where we historically see these types of issues.
>
> Just a reminder that this ordinance is not geared toward preventing jaywalking. Existing laws already allow us to enforce jaywalking in urban districts.
>
> Lastly, our larger campaign will also include educational messages and enforcement efforts directed toward drivers since we know that they play a significant role in keeping our street safe. We will encourage everyone to contribute to the overall improved safety of our streets."
>
> I am sorry for any confusion on this matter.
>
> John
I sent an email to the municipality and school district noting the discrepancy concerning the number of pedestrians hit in November 2014. I surmised that the kids will be blamed for getting their numbers wrong. I included a link to an article in The Devils Advocate.
Aaron Lauth responded with:
Ms. Gillen,
Without actually researching the incidents, it would appear that the statistics provided to the Devil's Advocate were for the 12 month period prior to the article being written, rather than since January 1, 2014. Whether the actual number was 14, 11 or 1, it is the opinion of the Mt. Lebanon Police Department that any incidents involving pedestrians being struck by vehicles is too many. When a vehicle weighing 4,000 to 5,000 lbs strikes a person, it rarely turns out good.
To clarify, pedestrian violations are just a small part of the planned comprehensive pedestrian/bicycle/vehicle safety campaign that we will be introducing over the next few months. Our campaign will be heavily focused on educational messages and enforcement efforts directed toward drivers since we know that they play a significant role in keeping our street safe. As part of the educational initiative, we intend to warn, and possibly cite violators when infractions occur that contribute to unsafe conditions, especially for pedestrians and bicyclists. Since more than half of our pedestrian vs. vehicle crashes are typically the fault of the pedestrian, I believe that we have a responsibility to address these violations as well.
A historical analysis of pedestrian vs. vehicle crashes also tells us that most of these incidents are occurring in our urban/business districts. Therefore, the focus of our educational and enforcement efforts, specifically toward improving pedestrian safety, will be the business districts in our community.
The overall goal of our upcoming campaign will be to encourage everyone to contribute to the overall improved safety of our streets. I am hopeful that you and the readers of your blog will be supportive in assisting us to get this message of improved safety out to the community when our campaign is introduced.
Thanks,
Aaron V. Lauth
Chief of Police
Mt Lebanon Police Department
555 Washington Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
(412)343-4015
Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.
Statement for Vehicle into Pedestrian Reportable Crash, Ref. # 20160265
On Saturday, 13 February 2016 at 1643 hours, a MLPD officer observed an adult female laying on the ground in the left northbound lane on Washington Road at Academy Avenue. His investigation revealed that at approximately 1642 hours this date, a 25-year-old white female was struck by a vehicle while she was in the crosswalk on Washington Road at Academy Avenue.
The pedestrian reported that she was in the crosswalk on Washington Road at the intersection with Academy Avenue, traveling from the east (odd side) to west (even side) and had the steady walk signal. The driver, who is a 27-year-old white female, was driving a 2012 black Mazda 3, 4 door sedan at the time of the crash. The driver reported that she was on Academy Avenue with a green traffic signal and then made a left turn onto Washington Road going northbound. The driver then struck the pedestrian in the left northbound lane of Washington Road. The driver stated that while she was making the turn, the “A Post” of her vehicle temporarily blocked her view of the crosswalk and she struck the pedestrian.
The pedestrian sustained only minor injuries, e.g. complained of pain in her right hip, at the scene. She was subsequently taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital by MRTSA paramedics for evaluation. The driver was cited, via summons, with PAVC 3113 (a)(1) - Pedestrian Control Signals, for failing to give the right away to a pedestrian when signals are present.
Aaron Lauth
Chief of Police
Mt. Lebanon Police Department
As a follow up to our conversation, I contacted our solicitor and police chief regarding the pedestrian ordinance.
>
> As we discussed, there was some confusion on whether the new provisions in the proposed pedestrian ordinance apply to the business districts only (Beverly and Washington rd.) or to the entire municipality. Our solicitor confirmed that the new provisions as written in the ordinance apply to all signalized intersections in the municipality. I wasn't clear on this point.
>
> Below is an excerpt from the police chief's response to my question on this issue.
>
> "Please also consider that this ordinance is just a small part of the planned comprehensive pedestrian/bicycle/vehicle safety campaign that we will be introducing over the next few months. Since the historical statistics for pedestrian vs. vehicle crashes tell us that most of these incidents are occurring in our urban/business districts, the focus of our educational efforts, specifically toward improving pedestrian safety, will be the business districts in our community. In other words, while the ordinance may address all intersections as is required by the statute, our efforts related to pedestrian safety will be focused in areas where we historically see these types of issues.
>
> Just a reminder that this ordinance is not geared toward preventing jaywalking. Existing laws already allow us to enforce jaywalking in urban districts.
>
> Lastly, our larger campaign will also include educational messages and enforcement efforts directed toward drivers since we know that they play a significant role in keeping our street safe. We will encourage everyone to contribute to the overall improved safety of our streets."
>
> I am sorry for any confusion on this matter.
>
> John
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Warning: Crosswalks May Be Dangerous To Your Health UPDATED 2X
Thanks to a tenacious Mt. Lebanon resident, here is the official Crash Breakdown 2013-2015 report from our police chief.
The report includes bicycle crashes, deer/car collisions, hit and runs, and pedestrians hit within and out of crosswalks. The number in parentheses is pedestrians hit within crosswalks. It appears that jaywalking is much safer in Mt. Lebanon.
From: Aaron Lauth <alauth@mtlebanon.org>
Date: Mon, Feb 15, 2016 at 12:44 PM
Subject: Re: Collision Rates in Mt. Lebanon
To: Mt. Lebanon Resident
Cc: Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
Update February 19, 2016 7:35 PM From Chief Lauth:
Your interpretation of the Pedestrian / Vehicle crash numbers is correct. These numbers should be interpreted as follows:
2013: 12 total, 5 of which were in crosswalks
2014: 11 total, 7 of which were in crosswalks
2015: 10 total, 7 of which were in crosswalks
**********
2013 42% of the pedestrians hit by cars were hit in a crosswalk
2014 64% of the pedestrians hit by cars were hit in a crosswalk
2015 70% of the pedestrians hit by cars were hit in a crosswalk
The report includes bicycle crashes, deer/car collisions, hit and runs, and pedestrians hit within and out of crosswalks. The number in parentheses is pedestrians hit within crosswalks. It appears that jaywalking is much safer in Mt. Lebanon.
From: Aaron Lauth <alauth@mtlebanon.org>
Date: Mon, Feb 15, 2016 at 12:44 PM
Subject: Re: Collision Rates in Mt. Lebanon
To: Mt. Lebanon Resident
Cc: Keith Mcgill <kmcgill@mtlebanon.org>
Mt. Lebanon Resident,
Please see the attached document for the statistical information that you requested. Please note that we do not separately account for "single vehicle collisions", however the most appropriate statistical category related to these types of collisions would be hit & run crashes as shown on the spreadsheet.
Please let me know if you have any questions related to this information.
Thanks,
Aaron V. Lauth
Chief of Police
Mt Lebanon Police Department
555 Washington Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
On Wed, Feb 10, 2016 at 2:41 PM, A Mt. Lebanon Resident wrote:
Municipal Manager McGill,
To make certain that my request is clear:
Mt. Lebanon asserts that we have seen a sharp rise in the number of deer/vehicle collisions over the past three years. I am asking for the most recent three-year data (2013; 2014; and 2015) reflecting the occurrences of:
deer/vehicle collisions
pedestrian/vehicle collisions
pedestrian in crosswalk/vehicle collisions
bicycle/vehicle collisions
vehicle/vehicle collisions
single vehicle collisions
and any other motor vehicle collisions for which records are kept.
I am confident that such statistics are kept as a matter of course and look forward to your response.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Update February 19, 2016 7:35 PM From Chief Lauth:
Your interpretation of the Pedestrian / Vehicle crash numbers is correct. These numbers should be interpreted as follows:
2013: 12 total, 5 of which were in crosswalks
2014: 11 total, 7 of which were in crosswalks
2015: 10 total, 7 of which were in crosswalks
**********
2013 42% of the pedestrians hit by cars were hit in a crosswalk
2014 64% of the pedestrians hit by cars were hit in a crosswalk
2015 70% of the pedestrians hit by cars were hit in a crosswalk
Update February 20, 2016 5:35 AM Another pedestrian was hit in a cross walk on February 13, 2016 at 4:43 PM. Mt. Lebanon Police Weekly Press Report Thursday, February 11, 2016 through Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Cracking down on pedestrians and underassessed homes UPDATED 3x
Tonight, John Bendel introduced Ordinance (Bill No. 2-16) amending the Code regarding pedestrians.
The Ordinance would amend the current regulations by identifying when a pedestrian may cross
at all locations in the municipality where official traffic-control signals or pedestrian-controlled
signals are established, and establishing penalties for violation of such regulations.
Another pedestrian was hit on Washington Road on January 13th, while crossing in a crosswalk. We’re paying tens of thousands of dollars of taxpayer money to White Buffalo to kill deer but we’re spending nothing to prevent pedestrian/vehicle accidents.
Pedestrians and deer are always at fault. I'm surprised the ordinance didn't mention smoking in a crosswalk. That will be in the next amendment.
From: xxxxxxxx
To: kfraasch@mtlebanon.org
CC: commission@mtlebanon.org; kmcgill@mtlebanon.org
Subject: RE: pedestrian ordinance 2-16
Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2016 16:19:57 +0000
Another pedestrian was hit on Washington Road on January 13th, while crossing in a crosswalk. We’re paying tens of thousands of dollars of taxpayer money to White Buffalo to kill deer but we’re spending nothing to prevent pedestrian/vehicle accidents.
Pedestrians and deer are always at fault. I'm surprised the ordinance didn't mention smoking in a crosswalk. That will be in the next amendment.
The other big news from tonight's meeting is that the vote was 3-2 to hire Diversified Municipal Services again. Diversified will charge a flat fee of $175 for each appeal attended. John Bendel and Steve McLean were the two who voted no. Kelly talked about fairness and paying our share. I happened to look at the Allegheny County website and see that Kelly's house is assessed at $188,800. She bought her house in 2009 for $190,400. It is on the market for $330,000. Steve Silverman bought his house in 2005 for $660,000. It is assessed for $591,100. His new neighbor bought the Kang house for $1,050,000 in October 2015. It is assessed at $674,400.
Update February 9, 2016 11:46 PM Mt. Lebanon crafting law to thwart jaywalkers
Update February 10, 2016 12:35 PM Don't complain to the commission. You may get a response like this one.
Update February 9, 2016 11:46 PM Mt. Lebanon crafting law to thwart jaywalkers
Update February 10, 2016 12:35 PM Don't complain to the commission. You may get a response like this one.
From: xxxxxxxx
To: kfraasch@mtlebanon.org
CC: commission@mtlebanon.org; kmcgill@mtlebanon.org
Subject: RE: pedestrian ordinance 2-16
Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2016 16:19:57 +0000
Ms. Fraasch,
Perhaps you can share with me Mr. Bendel's intent with this new law, that goes beyond existing State laws already on the books.
If Mr. Bendel did not draft it, perhaps you can inform me who did.
Before you accuse me of insulting someone, maybe you can provide me with the information I need.
The information the municipality provided me clearly shows Mr. Bendel introduced the bill.
How is Mr. McGill involved with writing municipal laws? Is he qualified?
We need better enforcement of 4,000 Lbs. automobile operators that threaten pedestrian lives daily.
If you don't like my tone of voice, feel free to step down and allow someone else less sensitive to take your seat.
xxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: pedestrian ordinance 2-16
From: kfraasch@mtlebanon.org
Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2016 11:03:28 -0500
CC: commission@mtlebanon.org; kmcgill@mtlebanon.org
To:xxxxxxxxx
Sent from Kelly's iPhone, please excuse typos or auto-corrections.
On Feb 10, 2016, at 10:08 AM, xxxxxxxxxx wrote:
Subject: Re: pedestrian ordinance 2-16
From: kfraasch@mtlebanon.org
Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2016 11:03:28 -0500
CC: commission@mtlebanon.org; kmcgill@mtlebanon.org
To:xxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx:
First, I want to make clear because John Bendel introduces an ordinance doesn't mean he drafted it. More importantly, your reference to John is entirely inappropriate.
Let's start over, you have concerns about the ordinance. I hear your concerns and you have a point with your example that I will review with Mr McGill.
Regarding concerns about pedestrians being the potential focus of blame. We have received over the years information showing that some of our pedestrian/car interactions have been the pedestrians fault. We need to equally educate drivers/walkers/joggers/bicyclists to respect each other on the roads in order to have a successful walking community.
Thank you for your input and please understand we appreciate your feedback. However the insults are not necessary or appropriate.
Kelly
Sent from Kelly's iPhone, please excuse typos or auto-corrections.
On Feb 10, 2016, at 10:08 AM, xxxxxxxxxx wrote:
Hello Commission,
Here just one example of where the ordinance can go wrong.
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: commission@mtlebanon.org
Subject: pedestrian ordinance 2-16
Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2016 13:49:31 +0000
Suppose the resident who lives at 754 Scott Rd wishes to take a stroll through
the cemetery on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Scott Rd. has pedestrian signals at Washington Ave and Sunset Drive.
According to §702 as proposed, that resident would have to walk a half-mile
to either Washington Rd. or Sunset Dr., cross at the pedestrian-controlled crosswalk,
then walk a half-mile back to the cemetery.
This turns an illegal 50 foot crossing into a 5000+ foot legal trek, a 100-fold increase in distance!
With cameras watching our every move, it is not a stretch for the municipality to abuse
its power and start mailing citations of up to $300 as quoted in this p-g article:
This undue hardship on pedestrians is not acceptable in our walking municipality.
Please reconsider this ridiculous ordinance 2-16
xxxxxxxxxxxx
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxx
To: commission@mtlebanon.org
Subject: pedestrian ordinance 2-16
Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2016 13:49:31 +0000
Commission,
There are major defects with Bendel's ordinance, but the main thing is,
Bendel doesn't care about pedestrian safety, and people we care about will be killed or seriously injured due to this ordinance and the attitude behind it.
This culture of blaming the victim needs to stop right now.
xxxxxxxxxx
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Lebo student hit by a car
It was reported that a female student, believed to be a high school junior, was struck by a car driven by a substitute teacher in front of Mt. Lebanon High School this morning. I understand that the student is OK.
Monday, July 27, 2015
Another sham of a meeting taking place now UPDATED
I missed this article from yesterday's Trib. Mt. Lebanon to address pedestrian safety
The panel will include management analyst John Stinner; Thomas Klevan, manager of multimodal planning for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, which handles regional planning, prioritization and funding of transportation projects; Bike Pittsburgh advocacy director Eric Boer; PennDOT traffic engineer Phil Mutunga; Lt. Duane Fisher of the Mt. Lebanon Police traffic division; and Michael Haberman, traffic engineer for Gateway Engineers.
The commission work session is going on right now. sigh.
Update July 28, 2015 10:33 AM I'm convinced that my commissioner is as crazy as the one she replaced. Here is what Matt Santoni tweeted last night during the meeting:
Update July 28, 2015 10:33 AM I'm convinced that my commissioner is as crazy as the one she replaced. Here is what Matt Santoni tweeted last night during the meeting:
#MtLebo commission consensus seems to emphasize educating pedestrians & drivers; seeking more resources for @MtLebanonPolice enforcement
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 13h13 hours agoTraffic engineer Mike Haberman to #MtLebo: all traffic-calming measures (bump-outs, speed humps) should increase driver awareness.
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 14h14 hours ago
Fisher recommends #MtLebo pass an ordinance allowing cops to cite ppl who cross against signals or outside crosswalks. Not common in suburbs
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 14h14 hours ago
Fisher says many pedestrians at fault in crashes- distracted, not obeying signs, jaywalking. Up to 65% at fault in #MtLebo crashes.
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 14h14 hours ago
@MtLebanonPolice Lt Fisher: citations steady at ~4100/yr; crashes ~600/yr, between 10-18 pedestrians hit per year b/t 2010-2014
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 14h14 hours ago
@MtLebanonPolice Lt Fisher: "U-shaped" relationship b/t speed & crashes; more crash @ higher & lower speeds (distracted more @ lower speed)
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 15h15 hours ago
Timeline could have been issue with seeking grant $; self-funding could make 3-yr process a 3-mo process, #mtlebo traffic engineer says.
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 15h15 hours ago
#MtLebo commissioner @KellyFraasch says it took years to get @PennDOTNews to fix up mid block crosswalk on Washington Rd.
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 15h15 hours ago
Boer: @BikePGH working to create local bike-ped committees; could look at one in #MtLebo.
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 16h16 hours ago
Now Eric Boer of @BikePGH talking to #MtLebo about safe biking practices. Largest cohort of mbrs outside PGH live in S. Hills.
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 16h16 hours ago
Tom Klevan of SPC talks about all the funding srcs available to #MtLebo that could go to pedestrian or bike projects, incl. TAP, CMAQ
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 16h16 hours ago
Stinner: #MtLebo educates kids well but not adults. Has TV station, @mtlmagazine, biz district advertising it can use to do outreach.
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 16h16 hours ago
#MtLebo commissioner Vuono concerned about more signs for pedestrians, says having too many is distracting drivers already.
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 16h16 hours ago
Analyst John Stinner notes high incidence of jaywalking in #MtLebo, no signs warning against it or penalties for it.
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 16h16 hours ago
OC uses mascots, sign carriers, PSAs, posters & stuff at local biz like coasters to encourage safe walking during summer tourist swarms.
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 16h16 hours ago
Looking @ best practices like NYC's Vision Zero goal of no traffic fatalities, Ocean City Md's "walk smart" initiative.
Matthew Santoni @msantoni 16h16 hours ago
At #MtLebo mtg on traffic/ped safety, consultant says there were 82 ped/bike v car crashes in Lebo since 2010.
Update July 28, 2015 6:41 PM Mt. Lebanon commissioners look to improve traffic safety
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
No LeboALERT? UPDATED 3X
Update October 10, 2014 3:15 PM
Contact: Deputy Chief Aaron Lauth, MLPD
412-343-4015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
**UPDATE – Suspect arrested** in Mt. Lebanon Hit & Run Pedestrian crash
Following our investigation of a hit & run crash that occurred on Saturday evening in Mt. Lebanon, MLPD Traffic Unit Officers obtained an arrest warrant for the following individual believed to be involved in this leaving the scene of the crash:
Anthony Flores
49 yrs old
2114 Vodeli Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
Flores turned himself in this morning to the Allegheny County Sheriffs, and he is currently awaiting arraignment on the following charges:
PA Vehicle Code:
- 3742 (a) - Accidents involving death or personal injury (Felony - 3rd degree)
- 3746 (a)(1) - Immediate notice of accident to police department (Summary)
PA Crimes Code:
- 4910 (1) - Tampering with or fabricating physical evidence (Misdemeanor - 2nd degree)
Contact: Deputy Chief Aaron Lauth, MLPD
412-343-4015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
**UPDATE – Suspect arrested** in Mt. Lebanon Hit & Run Pedestrian crash
Following our investigation of a hit & run crash that occurred on Saturday evening in Mt. Lebanon, MLPD Traffic Unit Officers obtained an arrest warrant for the following individual believed to be involved in this leaving the scene of the crash:
Anthony Flores
49 yrs old
2114 Vodeli Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
Flores turned himself in this morning to the Allegheny County Sheriffs, and he is currently awaiting arraignment on the following charges:
PA Vehicle Code:
- 3742 (a) - Accidents involving death or personal injury (Felony - 3rd degree)
- 3746 (a)(1) - Immediate notice of accident to police department (Summary)
PA Crimes Code:
- 4910 (1) - Tampering with or fabricating physical evidence (Misdemeanor - 2nd degree)
**************************************
Where is the LeboALERT? Nothing on Facebook, Twitter, Lebomag.com... Why was this reported yesterday by the Post Gazette when it happened Saturday night? Can a Lebo Citizens reader locate the driver, just as the missing woman was found a couple of years ago through a joint effort on this blog?
This intersection has a list of short- and long-term mitigation recommendations from the 2012 study of safety upgrades needed in Mt Lebanon. I believe a citizen spoke about this at the July Commission meeting. But did they actually DO ANYTHING?
Where is the LeboALERT? Nothing on Facebook, Twitter, Lebomag.com... Why was this reported yesterday by the Post Gazette when it happened Saturday night? Can a Lebo Citizens reader locate the driver, just as the missing woman was found a couple of years ago through a joint effort on this blog?
Mt. Lebanon police seek driver involved in pedestrian hit and run
Mt. Lebanon police are searching for the driver of a small, red Jeep SUV that struck and severely injured a woman crossing Washington Road, then left the scene of the accident on Saturday night.
The driver, described as medium-complected white or Indian man about 5'8" tall with short dark hair and a medium build, initially stopped after striking the woman, who was crossing Washington Road at Cedar Boulevard at about 10:20 p.m., according to deputy chief Aaron Lauth. The man approached the woman, who was thrown 60 feet by the impact and was lying prone in the street, but as a crowd began to gather returned to his car and continued driving north toward Dormont and Downtown Pittsburgh, Mr. Lauth said.
The 28-year-old victim's femurs, or thigh bones, were broken, and she suffered head injuries including a concussion and a contusion that required several staples to close, according to Mr. Lauth. The woman was taken to UPMC-Mercy hospital, where she was treated and released, he said.
Police said there could be damage to the vehicle on the front passenger's side or the hood. Officers continue to investigate the accident and are seeking video surveillance footage from several cameras in the area, and plan to release that footage to the public if possible.
This intersection has a list of short- and long-term mitigation recommendations from the 2012 study of safety upgrades needed in Mt Lebanon. I believe a citizen spoke about this at the July Commission meeting. But did they actually DO ANYTHING?
http://mtlebanon.org/DocumentCenter/View/9598
Update October 7, 2014 6:09 PM Mt. Lebanon Police seek hit-and-run suspect
Hit And Run Suspect Flees In Mt. Lebanon
Mt. Lebanon police seek help to solve hit-and-run
Update October 8, 2014 2:57 PM On Mt. Lebanon Police's website PEDESTRIAN STRUCK – SEVERELY INJURED – DRIVER LEFT THE SCENE
mtlmagazine (@mtlmagazine)
Update October 7, 2014 6:09 PM Mt. Lebanon Police seek hit-and-run suspect
Hit And Run Suspect Flees In Mt. Lebanon
Mt. Lebanon police seek help to solve hit-and-run
Update October 8, 2014 2:57 PM On Mt. Lebanon Police's website PEDESTRIAN STRUCK – SEVERELY INJURED – DRIVER LEFT THE SCENE
mtlmagazine (@mtlmagazine)
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Pedestrian Safety - An Oxymoron? UPDATED 2X
As details emerge about the pedestrian hit on Christmas Day, I wanted to share another incident reported in the Howe Elementary School Newsletter dated December 15.
We all know about the dangers of crossing Washington Road at Washington School, but there are still drivers who will not yield to pedestrians. I was meeting friends at Uptown Coffee on Sunday afternoon, and parked in the South Lot. Several families were standing at the crosswalk waiting to cross along with me. At least five cars passed us by before cars finally stopped.
People like to blame deer for the deer/vehicle collisions. I have my doubts that deer are entirely responsible for the accidents. Or are we talking dear/vehicle collisions? Who is to blame when pedestrians are hit?
When there are parents making illegal U-turns in front of schools, dropping off kids in the middle of the crosswalk at Washington Elementary, or not giving pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks, how can we call ourselves a walking community? Remember how the residents on North Meadowcroft fought to get sidewalks for kids walking to Lincoln? Yet, now there are more important issues on our commissioners' minds.
Update December 28, 2013 9:00 AM The Howe Principal's email concerning this issue:
Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 11:54:29 -0800
From: noreply@mtlsd.net
Subject: SAFETY ISSUE
Attention drivers: IMPORTANT!
We are all in a rush this time of year but please make sure safety around the school comes first. There have been many reported incidences of unsafe driving near the school. LAST WEEK A STUDENT WAS HURT RESULTING IN STITCHES BECAUSE OF AN ILLEGAL U-TURN DURING DROP-OFF.
Please make sure you drive with extra care around the school, within safe walk routes and pay close attention to the Crossing Guards. Do not make illegal turns, u turns or allow children to walk between parked cars.
Despite the "5 minute limit" sign YOU MAY NOT PARK IN THE GO ZONE TO WALK YOUR CHILD INTO THE SCHOOL DURING PICK-UP and DROP-OFF TIMES. Please inform all drivers of your children! Please help us avoid dangerous situations for all children that are driven or walk to school.
Unfortunately, those that have ignored the municipality created GO ZONE for all schools in Mt. Lebanon and simple safe driving has resulted in police presence and license plate number collection. Please realize our goal is to keep all children safe. Feel free to contact me with any concerns.
We all know about the dangers of crossing Washington Road at Washington School, but there are still drivers who will not yield to pedestrians. I was meeting friends at Uptown Coffee on Sunday afternoon, and parked in the South Lot. Several families were standing at the crosswalk waiting to cross along with me. At least five cars passed us by before cars finally stopped.
People like to blame deer for the deer/vehicle collisions. I have my doubts that deer are entirely responsible for the accidents. Or are we talking dear/vehicle collisions? Who is to blame when pedestrians are hit?
When there are parents making illegal U-turns in front of schools, dropping off kids in the middle of the crosswalk at Washington Elementary, or not giving pedestrians the right of way at crosswalks, how can we call ourselves a walking community? Remember how the residents on North Meadowcroft fought to get sidewalks for kids walking to Lincoln? Yet, now there are more important issues on our commissioners' minds.
Update December 28, 2013 9:00 AM The Howe Principal's email concerning this issue:
Date: Tue, 26 Nov 2013 11:54:29 -0800
From: noreply@mtlsd.net
Subject: SAFETY ISSUE
Dear Howe Families:
I am extremely concerned about the current safety issue at arrival and dismissal times. Today I received the following alarming email :
"I have a safety concern that I would like to bring to your attention. This morning my husband was dropping our sons off at school and (X) was almost hit by a car in the crosswalk at Annawanda because a car decided to do a three point turn in the middle of the crosswalk after the crossing guard had already let them cross.
Thank goodness the crossing guard (not Bill, as he is out sick, it was a substitute) grabbed (X) to pull him out of the way so he was not hit. In the process, his stop sign ended up hitting my son in the head and he is now on his way to get stitches. I will most definitely take this injury over being hit by a car, but he was sad to miss school today.
The thing that has me the most concerned is that the car that did this then pulled up in front of the school to drop a student off. (And did not stop or seem to even notice what had happened) As a parent, I know that I am very careful driving around the school during drop off and pick up times, and I would hope that other parents would have the courtesy to do the same, especially in the crosswalks."
Just last week I received this email:
"I've just returned from dropping (X) off for school and I'm a little shaken up. I nearly hit a child who blindly darted out in front of my car after she was dropped off in the middle of Broadmoor from a vehicle heading toward Anawanda. Two other children got out of the same car and each ran around the car a different way before also running across Broadmoor.
Yesterday another car stopped in the traffic lane next to the drop off lane and dropped off instead of pulling into the drop off lane, which was clear. It really concerns me that parents and caregivers are willing to sacrifice a child's safety for their own convenience. In addition I'm upset that their poor choice almost put me in the position of harming a child."
I know that no one wants to endanger a child; however, careless disregard for safety rules at arrival and dismissal resulted in one child going to the hospital and another having a near-miss. I have contacted the Mt. Lebanon Police Department to be at school during arrival and dismissal to ticket any car not following safety rules. Please make a conscious choice to follow all safety precautions. Help us protect your children.
Sincerely,
Michelle Murray
Principal
Update December 30, 2013 7:42 PM I had no idea how bad it is in the AM around the schools. This photo was taken by a parent walking his child to school. This is on Pinoak approaching the turn on Moffett to drop off students at Jefferson Middle School. The line of cars goes past Sweet Gum Road, where additional cars are waiting to enter the queue. These waiting cars still have a long wait ahead of them to the Go Zone.
Dear Jefferson parents:
I am extremely concerned about the current safety issue at arrival and dismissal times. Today I received the following alarming email :
"I have a safety concern that I would like to bring to your attention. This morning my husband was dropping our sons off at school and (X) was almost hit by a car in the crosswalk at Annawanda because a car decided to do a three point turn in the middle of the crosswalk after the crossing guard had already let them cross.
Thank goodness the crossing guard (not Bill, as he is out sick, it was a substitute) grabbed (X) to pull him out of the way so he was not hit. In the process, his stop sign ended up hitting my son in the head and he is now on his way to get stitches. I will most definitely take this injury over being hit by a car, but he was sad to miss school today.
The thing that has me the most concerned is that the car that did this then pulled up in front of the school to drop a student off. (And did not stop or seem to even notice what had happened) As a parent, I know that I am very careful driving around the school during drop off and pick up times, and I would hope that other parents would have the courtesy to do the same, especially in the crosswalks."
Just last week I received this email:
"I've just returned from dropping (X) off for school and I'm a little shaken up. I nearly hit a child who blindly darted out in front of my car after she was dropped off in the middle of Broadmoor from a vehicle heading toward Anawanda. Two other children got out of the same car and each ran around the car a different way before also running across Broadmoor.
Yesterday another car stopped in the traffic lane next to the drop off lane and dropped off instead of pulling into the drop off lane, which was clear. It really concerns me that parents and caregivers are willing to sacrifice a child's safety for their own convenience. In addition I'm upset that their poor choice almost put me in the position of harming a child."
I know that no one wants to endanger a child; however, careless disregard for safety rules at arrival and dismissal resulted in one child going to the hospital and another having a near-miss. I have contacted the Mt. Lebanon Police Department to be at school during arrival and dismissal to ticket any car not following safety rules. Please make a conscious choice to follow all safety precautions. Help us protect your children.
Sincerely,
Michelle Murray
Principal
Update December 30, 2013 7:42 PM I had no idea how bad it is in the AM around the schools. This photo was taken by a parent walking his child to school. This is on Pinoak approaching the turn on Moffett to drop off students at Jefferson Middle School. The line of cars goes past Sweet Gum Road, where additional cars are waiting to enter the queue. These waiting cars still have a long wait ahead of them to the Go Zone.
 |
| Parents waiting for other parents to move on so they can have their 30 seconds in the Go Zone. Walking here is faster. |
A Lebo Citizens reader explained that the back up gets worse on bad weather days but there is always, always, always back
up and quite honestly, doesn't think these parents are leaving their cars or
dilly-dallying in the Go Zone.
Although recently, some parents got so frustrated with the dismissal procedures
that they started using a church parking lot along the road to pick-up their
children. The principals were alerted somehow and sent out a warning email of
the hazards associated with that behavior. Here is that email:
December 10, 2013
Dear Jefferson parents:
It has come to our attention from the staff at Bower Hill Community Church that car traffic in their parking lots during our dismissal time has been causing problems. You should know that this church is the home to a developmental pre-school program sponsored by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. This program buses students from all over the south hills to their facility in the church. Recently, cars picking up Jefferson students have prevented their buses from getting into and out of their parking lots, particularly the lot closest to the Hospice building. The BHCC staff has kindly asked our school community to refrain from using this lot. Please contact your principal if you have any questions about this request.
Thank you.
Marc Thornton, Principal, Jefferson Elementary
James Walsh, Principal, Jefferson Middle
Thank you.
Marc Thornton, Principal, Jefferson Elementary
James Walsh, Principal, Jefferson Middle
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