ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Standing at one of the city’s most dangerous intersections Wednesday, Allentown officials urged drivers and pedestrians to prioritize safety as holiday travel and the school year bring heavier traffic to city streets.
Mayor Matt Tuerk, joined by Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio and Police Chief Charles Roca, said the city is working toward its “Vision Zero” goal of eliminating roadway deaths and serious injuries by 2030. The press conference was held at Seventh and Hamilton streets, a key part of what officials called Allentown’s “high injury network.”
“This is very real. It affects all of the residents of Allentown, including the mayor of the city,” Tuerk said, recalling a near miss with a car while biking home Tuesday evening. “We’re asking you to improve the way that you drive on our streets to take care of all of our residents.”
The city recently added speed cushions near schools, updated crosswalks and signage, and is working with PennDOT on additional safety improvements, including along Jefferson Street and at the Seventh Street corridor.
Buglio said his office has investigated 37 motor vehicle deaths in Lehigh County so far this year, involving cars, motorcycles, scooters and bicycles. The deaths involved speeding, distracted or impaired driving, or lack of helmets and seat belts.
“Behind every crash statistic is a family grieving the loss of a loved one and a community that is shattered,” Buglio said. “Every safe ride is a life saved and a family spared from heartbreak.”
Chief Roca outlined the department’s enforcement efforts, which include 20 targeted traffic details this year in partnership with Pennsylvania State Police. Officers have issued 123 citations, 46 warnings, conducted truck inspections and made DUI arrests.
“The Allentown Police Department will be present. We will take enforcement action and you will be held accountable,” Roca said. “But it does start with individuals driving safe, following the rules and doing their part.”
As Labor Day weekend begins, officials emphasized vigilance on the roads, noting the expected influx of visitors to the Great Allentown Fair and the return of school traffic.
“Our goal is zero roadway fatalities and serious injuries by 2030,” Tuerk said. “We’ve made progress, but we need the entire community to commit to safer streets.”
