Sept. 9, 2016 By Hannah Wulkan
Several city officials announced today the installation of a new traffic light at the location where a pedestrian was killed by a hit-and-run driver earlier this year.
The new traffic signal was installed at the corner of 30th Road and 21st Street in Astoria this week and is now operational.
“The addition of this traffic light will ensure each member of our community faces less risk of death or injury just by walking our streets,” said State Senator Mike Gianaris in a statement. “Enhancements such as these demonstrate our commitment to safer streets and the importance of making investments in our infrastructure.”
The installation of the new traffic light comes in the wake of the death of a pedestrian who was killed in a hit-and-run crash at the location.
Sean Crume, 45, was struck and killed around 11 p.m. on April 6.
The driver hit Crume and then continued to drive with the victim on the hood of the car for half a mile, then slammed on the brakes, throwing Crume’s body on the ground. The perpetrator then drove off.
The intersection was also of concern because children cross it every day to reach the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens.
“The tragic hit-and-run that occurred in early-April underscored what our community has known for years – that this intersection was in great need of a traffic light. We learned from this tragedy and are taking action to ensure something like this doesn’t happen again,” said Councilman Costa Constantinides in a statement.
“Walking and crossing Astoria streets should not be a game of chance with the odds stacked against pedestrians, with children especially at risk. This new light will slow down speeding cars and make everyone safer, including drivers,” said Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas in a statement.
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4 Comments
You can no longer walk cross the street in Astoria without a traffic light! Its way to dangerous! This is a good thing. What sucks is that cars speed up to beat the light. Add speed cameras!
So a pedestrian tries to walk on a don’t walk signal and now we motorists have to endure punishment with more traffic lights and traffic.
What a waste – as usual.
WHAT A FN DOUCHE !!!!!!!!