CHICOPEE — The Chicopee Police Department announced that it has received $59,790 in grant funding to focus on distracted driving, impaired driving and pedestrian safety in the city.
They have partnered also with Baystate Medical Center as well as Chicopee TV to produce a public service announcement to discuss pedestrian safety and the effects of distracted driving.
The Police Department said they realize that pedestrian safety- and traffic-related issues continue to be a hot topic in the city and are actively working on ways to address some of those issues.
Over the next few months, officers will be deployed to enforce crosswalk violations as failure to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk is a $105 fine.
As a reminder to operators, if a pedestrian is in the crosswalk on your side of the road, you are expected to stop and allow them to cross.
If the pedestrian is crossing from the other side of the road, you are required to stop for them once they are 4 feet from the center line.
In 2023, one in every five, or 20%, of fatal motor vehicle crashes in Massachusetts involved a person walking getting hit by the driver of a car, according to a WalkMassachusetts report.
According to another analysis by WalkMassachusetts, Chicopee was the third-highest number that year of any city or town in the state, after Boston and Worcester, with five pedestrian fatalities.
Mayor John Vieau and city councilors have attempted to implement traffic signs and other tactics to address the issue, but the PSA also has tips to protect yourself.
Chicopee Police Officer Elly Rodriguez said, “As public safety officials, our mission is to keep you safe and we want to talk to pedestrian and drivers on some ways we can all be safe on the roads.”
Rodriguez explained that drivers should slow down near crosswalks and be alert. Pedestrians are urged to use designated crosswalks and wait for traffic signals.
“Also be sure to make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the road. Bright, reflective clothing or LED vests increases your visibility. Stay alert, stay safe,” Rodriguez said.
Gov. Maura Healey discussed the benefits of the funding and said, “Everyone deserves to be safe on Massachusetts streets, whether traveling by car, foot, public transportation or bike. As individual communities work to address their unique traffic safety concerns, these programs provide resources and supports that will ensure they have the tools they need to protect road users.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll further explained, “These programs, taken together, represent a holistic approach to addressing road safety concerns. No one agency or approach can resolve these issues, but the combination of prevention, enforcement, education, and outreach initiatives funded through these grants will ensure safer roads for all in Massachusetts.”
