COURT HOUSE — Efforts in 2009 by the Middle Township Police Department to reduce traffic accidents on Route 47 have proven to be a success, according to statistics.
In the last ten years Middle Township police investigated 19 traffic accident related fatalities on Route 47.
The police department held a press conference on Monday, Jan. 25 to release the results of their initiatives to increase traffic safety on Route 47. Chief Christopher Leusner praised the hard work of the departments patrol sergeants and their officers. Leusner also recognized the efforts of Sgt. Rich McHale, a 22-year veteran of the department, who he credits with wanting to specifically target the problems on Route 47.
McHale said he and his officers were traumatized by the accidents on Route 47, especially the 2008 crash that claimed the life of 20-year-old Craig Lozier, of Court House.
McHale with Sgt. W. Adams, Sgt. M. DeVico and Sgt. P. Conte developed strategies to bring more attention to Route 47 that included warning signs and the positioning of unoccupied police cars on Route 47 during high volume traffic periods.
McHale conducted a DUI awareness seminar at Middle Township High School to target new drivers with the assistance of Craig Lozier’s family.
Middle Township Officers conducted over 1,000 more traffic stops on Route 47 last year than in 2008. The results of these initiatives resulted in no crash fatalities on Route 47 in 2009, and significant reductions in serious accidents and DUI related crashes.
McHale said the results “made him feel great, but the problem is not over. We need to continue.”
Mayor Susan DeLanzo thanked the department for being proactive and said “it’s very important to constantly look to see what we can do better and we have an excellent department that is always looking to do better.”
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