After Pedestrian Deaths, Brockton Cracks Down On Dangerous Driving
BOSTON (CBS) -- A crackdown on dangerous driving is showing immediate payoffs in Brockton.
Eight pedestrians have been killed in Brockton this year, seven since mid-August. Mayor Bill Carpenter said he knew he needed to act for those who have lost loved ones on his city streets.
"All of these tragedies have been troubling to say the least," he said. "I've had some sleepless nights."
The mother of Carl Yancey, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in September while walking on Belmont Street, says awareness on the part of pedestrians and drivers is key.
"Knowledge is power," she said. "Just to be alert."
The mayor has come up with a plan that he's called the three E's – education, engineering and enforcement.
The most critical part of the plan is enforcement, especially when it comes to distracted driving. More state and local police will be in cars and on the roads.
Just after one of the mayor's traffic safety meetings, WBZ-TV's cameras were rolling as police stopped a driver for texting and driving.
"We are a commuting public," Massachusetts State Police Maj. Anthony Thomas said. "Whatever mode that takes, we need to be distraction-free."
Another key is the engineering portion – making sure the city's infrastructure is up-to-date and safe, which involves improving signage, signaling and crosswalks.
The plan will also educate the public, starting with kids in the city's schools, school bus drivers and cab drivers.
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