PITTSBURGH (100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) Neighbors in Pittsburgh's Glen Hazel neighborhood are concerned about traffic safety after a 6-year-old boy was struck by a car and killed.
The accident occurred in June when Jamel Austin was hit while riding his bike.
City officials recently met with residents to address those concerns.
Austin’s family is pushing for improvements in street safety, including speed humps, more crossing guards, and a reduction in the speed limit.
Municipal Traffic Engineer Mike Maloch says they are restricted by state traffic codes, but there are some steps they can take.
“The speed limit is 25 miles per hour,” Maloch said. “We are not legally permitted to lower that. But we will make sure there are plenty of speed limit signs installed.”
Maloch also says that the city will also install new signage and school flashing signs, and repaint crosswalks for better visibility in the neighborhood, along Johnston, Glenwood, and Mansion streets.
63-year-old Rhonda Wood was arrested in July as the driver that caused Austin’s death; Wood was recently charged with homicide by vehicle.
Police believe Wood was distracted by her cell phone when she ran a stop sign and hit Austin.