At a state Senate Majority Policy Committee hearing on aggressive driving held last week at Community College of Philadelphia’s Northeast Regional Center, families and officials made a compelling case for stronger road safety measures across Pennsylvania. Elizabeth Hocker of the PA Safe Roads PAC and Families for Safe Streets shared the devastating story of her 17-year-old son Damien, who was struck and killed while crossing the street in Ridley, Delaware County — testimony that Senate committee chair Dave Argall called “one of the bravest public statements I’ve ever heard.” Nicole Brunet, Board President of the PA Safe Roads PAC, also testified, highlighting the 2023 death of 16-year-old Billy McWilliams, killed by a hit-and-run driver at Woodhaven and Byberry roads.

Officials including PPA Executive Director Rich Lazer and OTIS policy director Christopher Puchalsky pointed to red light and speed cameras as proven tools, with Lazer stating “we are saving lives” and Puchalsky emphasizing that the goal is behavioral change, not revenue generation. Sen. Joe Picozzi noted that drag racing on Roosevelt Boulevard has effectively ended since cameras were installed, and said he hopes the hearing translates into further legislative action.

Check out the full article from the Northeast Times here.