Last year, the Borough experienced several pedestrian accidents that raised alarms within the community. Fortunately, there were no fatalities; however, the incidents prompted a conscious effort by law enforcement to prioritize traffic safety. Chief of Police, John McCormick recently addressed these efforts in an interview, emphasizing the department's commitment to pedestrian safety and responsible driving.
To bolster their efforts, the Media Police Department established a dedicated Detective Unit. This initiative has allowed patrol officers more time for traffic details by relieving them from lengthy investigations. As a result, officers are now more available to focus on enforcing traffic laws effectively.
“Our traffic violations on the monthly police reports have increased due to directed enforcement,” stated Chief McCormick. “The residents of Media have spoken, and we’re listening. We have always considered traffic enforcement and pedestrian safety as top priorities.”
The most common violations observed by officers include stop sign infractions and distracted driving. To promote safety among both pedestrians and motorists, Chief McCormick offered several recommendations:
- Stay safe by staying alert and understanding that we all must abide by the established rules of the road.
- If you are a pedestrian or motorists about to cross the street at an intersection, you still must stop, look, and then cross. Too often pedestrians are just entering the street without looking up because they see a crosswalk.
- Do not roll through the stop signs.
“Often, we hear drivers say on a traffic stop ‘Oh, you stopped me because I didn’t come to a complete stop.’ You either stopped or you didn’t stop, there’s not an in between. At the end of the day everyone just needs to slow down a little…rolling that stop sign isn’t going to get you to work any faster. It could cause an accident or worse,” states McCormick.
Chief McCormick also emphasized that the primary goal of the Media Borough Police is not about meeting quotas, but ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors. “Please slow down, pay attention to your surroundings, and refrain from using your cell phone while driving,” he urged. “If you’re enjoying our local restaurants or bars, choose alternative transportation options like ride-sharing services, SEPTA or designated drivers.”
The Media Borough Police Department is dedicated to working collaboratively with residents to foster a safe environment for everyone who walks or drives through our community.
For more information about traffic enforcement initiatives or other public safety concerns in Media Borough, please contact the Media Borough Police Department at 610-565-6656 or check out the Monthly Police Reports here: https://pa-mediaborough.civicplus.com/438/Monthly-Police-Reports
