SENATOR KLEIN PENS LETTER TO DOT REQUESTING INCREASED PEDESTRIAN SAFETY MEASURES OUTSIDE LEHMAN HIGH SCHOOL FOLLOWING LAST WEEK'S ACCIDENT

Bronx, NY - State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) penned a letter to acting Bronx Borough Commissioner of the Department of Transportation Nivardo Lopez calling for increased pedestrian safety measures outside of Lehman High School following a recent accident where an NYPD School Safety Agent was struck and critically injured by several cars outside of the Bronx campus. The 59-year-old victim was crossing Little League Place at East Tremont Avenue about 6 a.m. on January 24 when he was hit by a car, and then run over by two other vehicles. The accident left the city worker with severe head trauma and multiple broken bones. He was initially listed in critical condition, but has since stabilized.

“Adequate pedestrian safety measures surrounding city schools is a no-brainer. Students, staff and NYPD School Safety Agents shouldn’t have to risk their lives while walking to and from school. My thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family of last week’s accident, and I hope for his speedy recovery. More could be done to protect the well-being of pedestrians at, and near, the accident site. I’m hopeful the DOT will consider my request and examine all possible solutions to reduce the likelihood of another tragedy like this from occurring,” said Senator Klein.

Senator Klein has asked that the DOT explore all possible options to boost pedestrian safety at that intersection, as well as the nearby stretch of East Tremont Avenue in front of Lehman High School. In the letter, Senator Klein suggests the installation of more School Zone signs and crosswalks on East Tremont Avenue. At the accident site intersection, there is only a crosswalk on Little League Place, not across East Tremont Avenue. In fact, there’s long stretch without a crosswalk on East Tremont Avenue from the school’s main entrance to Westchester Avenue.

The stretch of East Tremont Avenue in front of Lehman High School has been problematic in the past. Workers at nearby businesses recalled a recent multi-car accident where a sedan overturned in front of the campus, temporarily trapping its occupants. In addition to more signs and crosswalks, Senator Klein recommends a speed camera be placed near the school to act as an additional deterrent to reckless drivers.