Police Remind About Pedestrian Safety

A year after Allie Castner's death in a traffic accident, Chief Robert Picariello says he believes drivers are more cautious, but reminds everyone to be vigilant on town streets.

"I think we've all slowed down a little," Picariello said. "It has made us more aware."

A year ago today, 15-year-old Castner was struck by a car on Pleasant Street near Mohawk Road while crossing in a crosswalk. A memorial still stands near the accident scene. 

Emily Trasher, a friend of Castner,  said a year later the accident has taught her life is far too short.

"You need to keep an eye on the road at night because you never know what will happen," Trasher said. "Allie Castner will be missed very much and a lot of people loved her. I hope that people who have heard about Allie's story will be careful on the road while driving and people look both ways when crossing the street." 

Leading up to today's anniversary, friends and family left messages of a Facebook page that has been up most of the year in honor of Allie Castner. A memorial service is planned tonight to celebrate her life. 

This summer, Picariello said there have been a few pedestrian accidents. In three separate instances, two bicyclists and a jogger rode or jogged into the side of a moving vehicle. 

Picariello is reminding drivers that pedestrians have the right of way, but pedestrians must also make sure it is safe to be in the street.

"Pedestrians need to make eye contact with the driver," Picariello said. "Wear reflective gear at night and make sure you're extra careful at sunset."

Picariello said sunset is an especially troublesome time for crossing streets and when accidents are more likely to occur.

"That in between time is hard for drivers to see and hard for pedestrians to see if the driver can see them," he said.

The department has also put new signs up at crosswalks to alert drivers to check for pedestrians needing to cross.

"Once a pedestrian indicates they want to cross the street, the driver has to stop," Picariello said. 

In the spring, the police conducted a sting where a plain clothed police officer tried to cross the street at several town intersections.

"We got 19 people who didn't stop to let the officer cross," Picariello said. "Cars need to stop for pedestrians, especially as schools open."