SUMMER: The first day of summer is June 21, and with it comes increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Senator Joe Scarnati, R-Brockway, reminds us to take safety precautions on the road, to make this summer a good one for everyone.
“During the summer months our region becomes a great place for people to explore the outdoors with easy access to numerous outside activities,” Joe said. “It is important that we make sure our roadways are a safe place for our residents and those traveling through our area.”
He suggested several ways to help, including reporting dead deer on the roadways to PennDOT, being mindful of bicycles and refraining from texting while driving.
Joe says, “Because of legislation I amended two years ago, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is required to remove dead deer along state roads as soon as they are notified of the animal.”
To report a dead deer sighting on a state road call 1-800-FIX-ROAD. However, if it’s a township road, motorists must call the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
To report a dead deer on a township road call 570-398-4744 in Cameron, Elk, McKean or Potter counties.
Regarding bicycles, the senator reminds motorists to slow down to a safe and prudent speed when approaching a rider.
“It is illegal to force a bicyclist off the road and if you do this, you may face criminal charges,” Joe cautioned. “When passing, you must allow at least four feet between your vehicle and a bicycle for the vehicle to safely pass the bicycle. When safe to do so, it is legal to cross the center double yellow line if necessary to provide the required four feet when passing a bicycle.”
And most important, put that cell phone down when you are behind the wheel.
“Distracted driving can have disastrous consequences for those in vehicles and pedestrians on the roads,” Joe said.
Pennsylvania’s Texting-While-Driving Ban prohibits as a primary offense any driver from using an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to send, read or write a text-based communication while his or her vehicle is in motion. The penalty is a summary offense with a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.
