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Driving too fast? Take it easy

Posted on: August 23, 2019 - 11:47am
Drive like your kids live here sign


If you’re runnin’ down the road trying to loosen your load, with seven things to do on your mind, Ferguson Township Police remind you to take it easy.

The warm weather months are bringing more people outdoors and closer to street traffic, from bicyclists riding alongside you to kids who may be chasing after a ball that’s rolled into the road. 

“You may be in a hurry to get somewhere,” says Chief of Police Chris Albright, “but whether you’re driving on a country road or in town, think of the potential hazards and distractions, and be mindful of your speed.” 

If you’re driving a newer, smoother ride, you may not even be aware your speed exceeds the limit.

Chief Albright recently stopped a woman who was speeding on Whitehall Road. She said she was running late for work. He noticed child car seats in her backseat. “Would you want a driver speeding through your neighborhood where your kids play?” The question made her stop and think.

Drive through many residential neighborhoods and you may see signs that read: “Drive like your kids live here.”

The reason for those signs? Residents are calling police to complain about their own neighbors speeding down their streets. 

Chief Albright says his department has identified a number of speeding “problem areas” in the Township. There’s a speed minder sign on Pine Hall Drive, where speeders have been driving 40 in a 25 mph hour zone. Motorists are still exceeding the new permanent 25 mph speed limit in the Fairbrook section of Whitehall Road. “When we had a speed radar sign there, one third of the cars driving through there were speeding,” Chief Albright said. 

There’s another speed minder sign on Gatesburg Road. The FTPD installs speed minder signs wherever there’s a strong history of violations, most recently on West Beaver Avenue, in The Landings, in Pine Grove Mills, and on Whitehall Road, where officers run speed enforcement details routinely. 

Being mindful of your speed also means:

  • Obeying stop signs. The department has issued a significant number of stop sign violations on Devonshire Drive and Park Lane.
  • Slowing down through road work zones and accident scenes. When you see orange rubber cones and flashing lights, pay attention to your surroundings. Do keep traffic moving by obeying flaggers and not stopping to watch.  
  • Drivers with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the FTPD, or call the Centre County non-emergency dispatch number at 1.800.479.0050. If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1.