Let's Support Radar for Safer Roads in Hampden Township
In Hampden Township, we pride ourselves on our sense of community and our commitment to safety. However, there's a pressing issue that demands our attention: speeding-related fatalities on our roads. It's time for us to come together and advocate for a solution that could save lives: radar for our municipal police force.
Over seven months ago, our Senator Greg Rothman introduced Senate Bill 459, a measure that would give our law enforcement the tools they need to effectively enforce speed limits and reduce speeding-related fatalities. Unfortunately, it remains stuck in the Senate Appropriations Committee, despite its potential to make a significant improvement to road safety. Meanwhile, House Bill 1368 awaits consideration by the House Transportation
If we look at the facts, in 2021 Pennsylvania saw a total of 1,230 traffic fatalities, with 500 of those being speeding-related. That means a staggering 41% of all traffic fatalities in our state are due to speeding. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent lives lost and families shattered.
Moreover, the majority of complaints reported to the police by residents in our own Hampden Township are related to speeding issues. This is a problem that affects us directly, and we cannot afford to ignore it any longer.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's latest statistics paint a grim picture: Pennsylvania ranks among the worst states for speeding-related fatalities. Despite our efforts to address this issue through education and awareness campaigns, we continue to see tragic outcomes on our roads.
Senate Bill 459 and House Bill 1368 would allow our police force to use radar for speed enforcement. As a side note, radar is used by local law enforcement in every other state except Pennsylvania. It's time we catch up and give our police the resources they need to keep our roads safe.
The Pennsylvania Radar Coalition has been tirelessly advocating for the passage of this legislation, and it's up to us to support their efforts. By urging our elected officials to move this bill forward, we can make a real difference in our community's safety. We understand that some may have concerns about radar usage, but it's crucial to recognize that this technology has been proven effective in countless other jurisdictions. It's not about issuing more tickets; it's about effectively utilizing our police officers and resources, deterring dangerous behavior, and, most importantly, saving lives.
It is also important to note that this is truly about public safety – and not about a financial windfall for municipalities. Only a small fraction of every fine is returned to the issuing jurisdiction. Ultimately, we simply want our kids to be able to play safely and our roadways to be shared by walkers, runners, and bikers without fear for their safety.
Let's come together as a community, show our support for Senate Bill 459 and House Bill 1368, and send a clear message to our lawmakers: the safety of our community is non-negotiable. Together, we can make Hampden Township a safer place for all residents and visitors. It's time to act. Please contact your representatives, spread the word, and let's make radar enforcement a reality in Hampden Township.