New Bucks County Sidewalk Could Cut Down On Pennsylvania Car Accidents

In January, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDot) announced it would be reclaiming its right-of-way land in Bristol and Middletown townships. PennDOt will be putting sidewalks along New Falls Road in a response to a persistent mother honoring her son’s memory.

PennDot will clear brush from both sides of New Falls Road that spans from Veterans Highway (Route 413) to Bristol Oxford Valley Road. This stretch of road runs between four Bucks County townships: Bensalem, Bristol, Middletown and Falls Township.

The initiative to put sidewalks on New Falls Road is spearheaded by Bristol Township resident, Sharon Rearick. Sharon’s 23-year-old son John Rearick was struck and killed last July while walking in the travel lanes along New Falls Road.
John Rearick was one of two pedestrians killed on the busy Pennsylvania road last year. According to PennDOT accident data, there have been 18 Pennsylvania auto accidents involving pedestrians on New Falls Road since 2007. Four of those car accidents were fatal.

Creating side walks would allow pedestrians who need to travel this busy road to safely reach their destinations. State wide, the side walks would decrease the amount of Pennsylvania car accidents involving pedestrians and the overall amount of Pennsylvania auto accidents.

While PennDot agreed to the placement of sidewalks, the government is not providing the funds. Rearick and her supporters have already set up numerous fundraising activities ranging from a Chinese Auction, a benefit at a comedy club, and a 5K marathon. The possibility of safer roads for Bucks County pedestrians is getting closer.
If you would like to help get side walks for New Falls Road and decrease the amount of pedestrian accidents, please visit: http://sidewalksfornewfallsroad.org/.

You can also help make all roads safer by visiting EndDD.org and to see what you can do to end distracted driving.