Charlotte leaders tout pedestrian safety improvements ahead of Halloween

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Ahead of Halloween, Charlotte leaders are highlighting efforts to slow down drivers and keep pedestrians safe, pledging even more investments for walkers and bikers next year.

Within the last year, the Charlotte Department of Transportation has built 13 hybrid crossing beacons, giving people a place to cross between two major intersections, including a recently installed beacon at Park Road and Sunset Drive in south Charlotte.

The Charlotte Department of Transportation installed the crossing beacon as part of a year of pedestrian upgrades, including more than 1,300 street lights and 22 new traffic signals.

Pushing a stroller across Park Road, Clay Hevey calls the crosswalk a saving grace, allowing him to walk with his son to and from school.

“The safer I feel the more I’m willing to go out,” Hevey said.

Hevey, who lives near Park Road, said without the beacon they would drive instead.

“We would be in the car because we wouldn’t feel safe crossing Park Road here at this intersection. Definitely saves us some time,” Hevey said.

City data shows, though the number of serious or deadly crashes fell last fiscal year, 37% of those killed or seriously hurt were bikers or walkers. That’s the highest percentage in five years.

Scierra Richardson, an engagement specialist with the Charlotte Department of Transportation said she’s optimistic the city will make more investment next year in traffic safety.

“Halloween and beyond. We want people to make it home safely,” Richardson said. “These investments are going to add up over time and allow us to ensure that people have those options.”

Charlotte Councilmember At-Large, Dimple Ajmera, said with distracted driving being a persistent issue, traffic safety tools like speed bumps and hybrid beacons help force drivers to slow down.

Less than a week after a 6-year-old was run over after getting off a school bus, Ajmera encourages drivers to follow the rules. Reckless driving, she said, often creates the need for additional traffic safety investment.

“I cannot imagine the pain the family is going through. Every child deserves to feel safe,” Ajmera said. “We cannot have police officers on every street. We cannot rely on just every driver to slow down. And that’s where these beacons and speed bumps become so critical in saving lives.”

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, reminding Americans the importance of keeping both pedestrians and walkers safe.