Safety Improvements Planned for Fatal Accident Site

A speed advisory and a no left turn sign are among the initial safety changes to be implemented at the southern crossing of Colonial and McCoy roads. Borough and county officials are working together to review the site of a Christmas Eve fatality at the notoriously dangerous intersection of county-owned Colonial Road and municipal-owned McCoy Road. 

According to Gary Ascolese,  assistant county engineer, a 25 mph speed advisory — not a change in speed limit — was implemented earlier this month as the first step in an ongoing review of the site. The speed advisory was added to a pre-existing side road symbol sign and 350-foot placard alerting drivers to the upcoming crossroads.

“We are reviewing the location along with borough to make further safety recommendations,” Ascolese told Patch.

Meanwhile, the borough is making plans to shore up safety at the dangerous intersection. Tonight, the council plans to introduce an ordinance banning left turns from McCoy Road onto Colonial Road at this intersection. 

On Dec. 24, 2010, Larry Sephton was killed while attempting to make a left turn onto Colonial Road from McCoy Road at the southern crossing. At around 5:30 p.m., Sephton's Cadillac was struck by Nissan Infinity driven by Ohannes Iskkahanian, 20, of Oakland, which was traveling south on Colonial Road. 

Police said there were no drugs or alcohol involved in the accident, but speed was a contributing factor. Iskkahanian was issued a summons for Careless Driving.