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Tragic Loss Fuels Urgent Push for Safer Streets in Ridley Township and Beyond
The sudden and devastating loss of Damien Hocker, a 17-year-old high school student, has shaken his family and the entire Ridley Township community. Instead of preparing for Damien's senior year, his parents, Elizabeth and Doug Hocker, are now grieving his untimely passing and determined to advocate for improved pedestrian safety in their local area and across Pennsylvania.A Heartbreaking Tragedy Ignites a Crusade for Change
Damien's Untimely Passing and the Call for Safer Streets
On April 17th, Damien Hocker, a vibrant 17-year-old, was tragically struck by a vehicle and killed at the intersection of MacDade Boulevard and Fairview Road in Ridley Township. The devastating loss of their only child has left the Hocker family grappling with immense grief, determined to ensure that no other family has to endure a similar tragedy.Elizabeth and Doug Hocker have created a petition to address the pressing issue of pedestrian safety in their community. They are calling for a comprehensive set of measures to improve the safety of the streets, including the installation of footbridges, more pedestrian crosswalks, the repeal of the right-turn-on-red law, and better enforcement of existing laws such as speed limits, distracted driving, and traffic signs.A Dangerous Intersection and the Canceled Road Diet Project
The Hocker family has identified the intersection of MacDade Boulevard and Fairview Road, where Damien's accident occurred, as a particularly hazardous area. They have also expressed concerns about the intersection of MacDade Boulevard and Morton Avenue, noting the high volume of pedestrian traffic and the alarming speed of vehicles in the area.The family's efforts to address these safety concerns have been met with both progress and obstacles. PennDOT had previously proposed a MacDade Boulevard Road Diet project, which aimed to reduce the number of travel lanes and upgrade pedestrian facilities and traffic signals along the boulevard. However, the Ridley Township Board of Commissioners canceled the project, stating that it was not in the best interest of the residents.Advocating for Change: The Hocker Family's Unwavering Commitment
Driven by their profound loss and a deep desire to prevent similar tragedies, the Hocker family has been relentless in their pursuit of a safer community. They have been in contact with state and local leaders, urging them to prioritize pedestrian safety and take immediate action to address the dangerous conditions on the roads.Elizabeth Hocker poignantly expressed the family's determination, stating, "I feel like he doesn't have to be that if we make changes and make the road safer and prevent lives from being taken." Their unwavering commitment to advocating for change extends beyond their own grief, as they aim to ensure that Damien's memory and the safety of all pedestrians remain at the forefront of the community's priorities.The Urgent Need for Comprehensive Solutions and Collaborative Efforts
The Hocker family's petition and advocacy efforts have highlighted the critical importance of addressing the longstanding issues of pedestrian safety in Ridley Township and beyond. Damien's tragic death has shed light on the pressing need for a multifaceted approach to improving road infrastructure, enhancing traffic enforcement, and fostering a culture of shared responsibility among drivers and pedestrians.As the family continues to mourn the loss of their beloved son, they are determined to transform their grief into a catalyst for positive change. By engaging with state and local leaders, collaborating with transportation authorities, and rallying the community, the Hocker family hopes to prevent future tragedies and ensure that no other parent has to endure the heartbreak they have experienced.The tragic loss of Damien Hocker has resonated deeply within the community, igniting a call for comprehensive solutions and collective action to prioritize pedestrian safety. The Hocker family's unwavering commitment to this cause serves as a poignant reminder that every life lost on our roads is one too many, and that the time for change is now.
