IN West Jefferson Hills Fall 2025 | Page 46

A Letter from Chief Ron Dziezgowski

CHIEF RON DZIEZGOWSKI

TRAFFIC SAFETY MESSAGE FROM THE JHPD TO THE COMMUNITY est Jefferson Hills BOROUGH OF JEFFERSON HILLS NEWS

Hello Jefferson Hills, I hope that everyone has had a safe and fun filled summer, with memories that will last forever. During the transition from summer to fall, I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that roadway safety should be a primary concern when operating a vehicle, especially with the start of the new school year. Every year, thousands of lives are needlessly lost due to preventable accidents. As your local police department, the JHPD is committed to working with our residents and other stakeholders to make our streets safer for everyone – drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. Your safety on the road is our top priority.

Traffic enforcement by JHPD officers is a proactive approach to target and control speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and to enforce other traffic violations, which have been shown to reduce crashes and save lives. Once a traffic stop is initiated, officers are trained to approach with caution and respect, and we ask that drivers remain calm, follow instructions, and clearly communicate their responses. Our goal is to prevent tragedies, not to issue tickets.

Here are a few key safety reminders for responsible driving we want to share:

DISTRACTED DRIVING

On June 5, 2025, Paul Miller’ s Law went into effect that prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving. The purpose of this law is to reduce distracted driving caused by using handheld communication devices while driving. This law gives legal authority to law enforcement officers to stop a motor vehicle when a driver has been observed using a cell phone or other communication device while driving. Warnings will be issued for the first year, from June 5, 2025, through June 5, 2026, allowing motorists time to adjust to the new law. On June 6, 2026, violations of this law will be punishable by a $ 50 fine, plus costs.

In 2024, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation( PennDOT) annual crash report information, distracted driving was the leading cause of car crashes in Pennsylvania with traffic deaths rising by 2.25 % compared to 2022. The goal of this law is to reduce the distractions to drivers so they can concentrate on the roadway and safely navigate any obstructions encountered while driving.

E-BIKES With the rising popularity of electric bikes and scooters, the

Jefferson Hills Police Department wants to raise awareness about the

44 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS increased use of these vehicles and some of the unsafe behavior that has been observed and reported.

A primary concern is the operation of e-bikes by young children who may lack experience, proper safety equipment, or understanding of traffic rules. Reports include riders running stop signs, riding against traffic, performing dangerous stunts like wheelies, and generally failing to follow the rules of the road. When many drivers do not notice or anticipate these smaller, fast-moving vehicles, it creates a serious safety risk.

Another concern is speed. Some e-bikes can travel at or above posted speed limits and are being operated without the safety measures required of motor vehicles. We want to be clear, our goal is not to take the fun away, but to make sure everyone, especially younger riders, stays safe.

Under Pennsylvania Vehicle Code Title 75 § 3514,“ No person under 16 years of age shall operate a pedal cycle with electric assist.” This means e-bikes are not permitted to be operated by anyone under 16 years old regardless of how skilled the rider may appear.

Fully electric bikes( without pedal assist) fall under the category of motor-driven cycles or motorcycles and are subject to the same requirements as any other motor vehicle. These include PA registration and inspection, insurance, helmet and eye protection, and possibly a Class M driver’ s license. These bikes are treated no differently than an off-road gas-powered dirt bike when it comes to legal operation on roadways.

Additionally, under Title 75 § 3503 of the PA Vehicle Code,“ The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit the child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this title relating to operation of pedal cycles.” This means parents and guardians can be held responsible for violations committed by their child while operating an e-bike or similar device.

We encourage all families to review Pennsylvania’ s classifications and laws for bicycles, e-bikes, mopeds, and motor-driven cycles before allowing a child to operate one. See Chart A on next page.

SCHOOL ZONES AND SCHOOL BUS STOPS As another school year begins, the JHPD reminds all drivers that when they approach an active school zone with flashing yellow lights, the speed limit is 15MPH for the safety of our school children and School Crossing Guards.

School bus safety is also a high priority throughout Pennsylvania. Students, parents, teachers, transportation providers and the motoring public play important roles in keeping our children safe while on or