October 10, 2008
by Ann Marie Fallon
Despite past and more recent stepped up enforcement efforts at the triangle intersection of Quaker Road (Route 120) and S. Greeley Avenue, the New Castle Police Department reports that the majority of drivers continue to fail to stop as required by law at the two stop signs posted there.
This should come as no surprise to anyone who travels through that intersection.
“There has been an outcry for enforcement from residents, commuters and merchants,” reported Sergeant Keith Dworkin, traffic unit supervisor for the New Castle police department. That’s why the police department, with the support of the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, is launching an intensive effort designed to persuade drivers to stop and yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.
Transit trials through the triangle
Specifically, drivers headed east off the bridge who bear left at the triangle are failing to stop at the end of the triangle before they turn left onto S. Greeley Avenue towards Starbucks.
Similarly, drivers coming east off the bridge planning on turning right onto S. Greeley Avenue (headed in the direction of the train station), fail to stop at the stop sign posted immediately before the Citibank parking lot. Drivers tend to roll through this stop sign acting as if there is a right turn-designated lane there. This is particularly dangerous for the pedestrians in the busy crosswalk.
Strict enforcement will result in fines and three points on license
“The downtown business district lies at the heart of Chappaqua. From early morning to late in the evening, this area sees a steady stream of people coming to eat, shop, run everyday errands and commute to work. We are committed to making it a safe place for people to visit,” said Dworkin.
Police officers will be situated near the intersection to observe traffic patterns and issue citations to motorists who fail to stop at the stop signs. The ticket will result in a hefty $145 fine and three points on the driver’s license. This moving violation could also prompt an increase in a driver’s insurance rates.
The message of the New Castle police to drivers is basic to community living. “Violating the law puts others at risk, so don’t take chances with someone else’s life. If you violate the law and risk the safety of others, you will be ticketed,” stated Sergeant Dworkin.
Copyright 2008 NewCastleNOW.org