Sewickley Resident Hopes to Put the Brakes on Speeding

A Sewickley resident who two months ago was struck by a car in his neighborhood is asking the borough to crack down on speeding.

“If I can obey the law, so can these other people,” said Paul Farkas of Bank Street. “People that don’t obey the law, that are driving Escalades and Land Rovers, they can certainly afford to pay the citation. We just need the police down there to catch them.”

Farkas brought his complaints to Sewickley Council Tuesday night, saying that he believes the aggressive driving through Bank and Grant streets and Linden Place has worsened.

Farkas was injured Dec. 9 when the mirror of a passing sport utility vehicle struck his wrist and knocked him to the ground. The vehicle never stopped. Farkas credited Sewickley Police Sgt. Bob McNatt with saving his life that day.

“Because of his demeanor and his professionalism, he actually relieved the stress … He more than likely kept me from getting worse and going into shock,” Farkas said.

Police said they were unable to locate the driver and that there were no witnesses to the hit and run.

In another incident, Farkas said, he was attempting to take a cell phone picture when an SUV driver stopped and threatened him. 

Farkas said he has called police numerous times about speeders, most recently Tuesday morning, because he said a driver tailgated a school bus that wasn’t going fast enough for her. He said he isn't asking for 24-hour police surveillance but would like to see added patrols. 

“We need some help,” he said.

Farkas suggested speed humps as a possible solution.

Mayor Brian Jeffe said the borough is in line to receive two new solar-powered speed machines. 

"We will start with those, as soon as they come in, with putting them on Bank Street," Jeffe said.