After receiving a traffic safety-concern petition organized by 3rd-grade students, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach) this week sent a letter to the city Department of Transportation requesting the installation of yield signs at crosswalks outside PS 207 in Howard Beach.
During a recent rally at the Rockwood Park school in support of improved traffic safety, Goldfeder received more than 500 signatures from Howard Beach residents requesting the installation of signs around the school urging drivers to yield to pedestrians. According to the students, the yellow pedestrian signs currently in place have proven to be ineffective in preventing cars from yielding to students when no crossing guard is present.
In his letter to DOT Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia, Goldfeder called on the agency to investigate the students’ request and consider installing yield signs at the four intersections around the school: 88th and 89th Streets between 169th and 160th Avenues.
“I am truly inspired by the students of Class 301 for their efforts to improve pedestrian safety in our community,” Goldfeder said. “Installing yield signs outside PS 207 will help ensure that our students can come home safely from school each and every day. I urge the Department of Transportation to take immediate action and make these necessary upgrades before someone gets hurt.”
A DOT spokesman said the agency appreciates Goldfeder’s interest in safety and that it can “look into implementing other safety measures around the school in line with Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Vision Zero initiative citywide.”
The spokesman also indicated that DOT will “work with our partners at NYPD on enforcement issues.”
According to state Vehicle and Traffic Law, motorists are required to yield to pedestrians crossing within a crosswalk. Failure to obey posted yield signs can lead to three points on the driver’s license. New York State averages nearly 300 pedestrian fatalities annually, according to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
“No parent should have to fear for their child’s safety when sending them off to school each morning. This small step will help give area families the peace of mind they need and deserve,” Goldfeder said.
By Michael V. Cusenza
michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
