MCKEESPORT, Pa. — A memorial walk in McKeesport on Monday commemorated World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
Family and friends gathered to honor those killed or seriously injured in pedestrian collisions.
One of those victims is Taylor Mehalcik. She was killed by a driver in June while on her way to pick up her daughter.
“She would have gone to the ends of the Earth to do anything for her, make her happy, and just for her to know that mommy is here for you, no matter what, and now she has to grow up without her,” Mehalcik’s aunt Melissa Borrelli said.
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“I never thought I would have to bury a child, and I don’t wish it on anybody,” said Mehalcik’s mother, Kristie Braun.
Safety advocates say some of the intersections in McKeesport are the most dangerous in the entire state.
“Behaviors need to change, and we need better infrastructure, which means we need our local elected officials to choose to act,” said Seth Bush of BikePGH.
Mehalcik’s family says they are working on state-wide legislation that would require blood alcohol testing on the scene for drivers who hit someone.
BikePGH says they are asking for safety improvements along Lysle Boulevard.
“We have noticed that there are many pedestrian signals that are out and not functioning, many street lights that are out, many sidewalks that are broken,” Bush said.
“I just want people to pay attention when there are bikes or people in the street. Just be mindful,” Borelli said.
A friend of Bobby Paige was also at the event.
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Paige was hit and killed by a motorist in Oakland just a few weeks ago.
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