It was a July morning when incoming Penn State freshman Eva O’Brian went for a run in State College.
The morning quickly turned tragic when the 18-year-old ran into the path of pick-up truck near the intersection of North Atherton Street and West Park Avenue. O’Brian, seriously injured, was ultimately transferred to a Philadelphia hospital where she died several days later.
Police say O’Brian was jogging in a posted no-pedestrian zone and wearing earbuds, which officials say can hinder alertness.
In recent weeks, State College police have responded to several other pedestrian-related accidents. In some cases, pedestrians were seriously injured. And in at least one case, police cited a pedestrian for failing to comply with traffic signals.
The incidents highlight the importance of pedestrian, bicyclist and motorist safety in a community like State College, which is known for its high pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Recently, the State College Police Department launched a public awareness initiative that will expand in the weeks ahead. The program includes electronic signs on College Avenue cautioning pedestrians and bicyclists to be alert; distribution of informational materials on campus; as well as public service announcements slated to air on local radio stations.
“The idea is to have the pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists be more aware of each other,” says State College police Sgt. Todd Scholton.
The State College Police Department says students and residents should follow these safety tips:
For Pedestrians
– Use sidewalks whenever possible
– Cross the street only at crosswalks; do not cross between parked vehicles
– Watch for turning vehicles at intersections
– Earbuds and cell phones can be dangerous distractions
– Even if the pedestrian has the right of way, always stay alert
For Drivers
– Yield the right of way to pedestrians
– Share the road with bicyclists
– Use caution and slow down when approaching a crosswalk or intersection
– Watch for persons or cyclists entering the roadway suddenly
– When passing a cyclist, allow for at least 4-feet of space between the vehicle and bicycle
For Bicyclists
– Use lights and reflectors, especially in low-light conditions
– Look, signal and look again
– Use hand signals to let drivers and other bicyclists know where you’re going
– Travel in the same direction as traffic and obey all traffic laws
– Earbuds and cell phone use while biking are illegal and can be dangerous distractions
– Wear a helmet and be sure your bike is in good operating condition
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