Traffic Hazards Condoned by Local Governments
I imagine that most motorists’ response to the question, “Would you like to have 150-pound objects darting in and out of traffic when you are stopped at a red light?” would be, “Of course not! Are you crazy?”
Why, then, do enlightened communities allow solicitors for various alleged charities to engage in this ill-conceived—and dangerous—means of fundraising?
It is difficult to establish the legitimacy of an organization in an exchange in traffic lasting a few seconds, but even assuming that all such traffic peddlers are soliciting for bona fide charities, is this the best means of doing so?
Money solicitations should be made face-to-face or through the mail rather than exerting pressure on a potential contributor to fork over cash on the spur of the moment. Perhaps some do not feel that the matter is a big deal, given that a mere dollar is given in most situations so as to drive the solicitor away to another vehicle, yet I wonder how many generous drivers could state precisely what type of service is provided by the individuals who, for example, simply implore us to “Help Kids (children) With Cancer” with no supporting detail.
Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Guiliani is credited with having eliminated the “squeegee men,” the band of beggars which would clean vehicle windows while individuals were stopped in traffic whether or not they wanted the “service,” serving to extort “contributions” to ensure the driver’s safety. I do not believe the in-traffic solicitors in this area pose the same threat, but the fact is that contributions are made under pressure, albeit subtle.
Legitimate charities would be ideally suited to set up shop outside stores that are willing to have them. This has been the successful and appropriate manner through which the wonderful Salvation Army has remained afloat for decades. If this organization can do it, so can others.
Ed M
1:55 pm on Thursday, October 4, 2012
You don't like very much do you Oren. If you ever noticed, these are college kids that are doing the collection for the charities. You are not required to even notice them so I don't see you issue with them.
Eric Gordon
4:52 pm on Thursday, October 4, 2012
The only organization I have seen in Cranberry Twp is Penn State's THON.
From their website, www.thon.org:
"The mission of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon is to conquer pediatric cancer by providing outstanding emotional and financial support to the children, families, researchers, and staff of the Four Diamonds Fund."
As Ed mentioned, these are extremely generous college kids, working to raise money for a great cause. My wife participated in this when she was at PSU and has supported it every year since.
Oren, thank you for the opportunity to highlight this worth-while charity!!! :-)
Girty
9:18 am on Friday, October 5, 2012
Cranberry Township does NOT allow Penn State Students to solicite money at intersections. It is against the PA Vehicle Code. The idea of these students putting their lives in danger is beyond my imagination. What are we teaching these students. I have seen them at the intersections of Rt 19 & Rt 228 - are they NUTS! With the amount of traffic that goes thru that intersection alone - you're taking your life in your own hands, even in a car!
I commend the students of Penn State for the reason behind the collections, but I think there is a better way. Go into the malls where it's less dangerous!
Mike
10:30 am on Friday, October 5, 2012
I'm more offended by young children being forced to sell crap to finance their schools.
I thought that was why I pay taxes!
Kids need to be focused on learning and not selling.
John Linko
10:50 am on Friday, October 5, 2012
I'm wondering if you made any efforts to contact local law enforcement where you've seen this occurring, inquire of the activity in the context of applicable traffic laws, and attempt to elicit a response from those with responsibility to enforce those laws. That seems to me to be a better course of action than just complaining about it, and would also establish a greater connection and relevance to the local area than squeegee men in New York.
Oren Spiegler
9:56 pm on Friday, October 5, 2012
Thank you, Mr. Linko.
I have not contacted any local law enforcement agency regarding this. Although I am skeptical that one expression of concern will be fruitful, it is a reasonable and good idea, worthy of pursuing.
Robert Ritter
11:35 am on Friday, October 5, 2012
I am more comfortable with firefighter "fill the boot" campaigns because volunteer firefighters are trained and conscious about safety. But I have long thought the Penn State THON effort and similar campaigns by college kids and ordinary citizens are reckless and dangerous for them and for the motorists. I support their initiative and their cause, but it is not the best way to go about raising money. And I have seen them at the intersection of Village Drive and Rt 19 (in front of Norman Center) which I believe is right on the USC-BP border so not sure who has that enforcement responsibility.
And, yes, I am also offended by the amount of stuff our kids have to sell to fund school activities when I already pay insanely high USC school district taxes.
Fred
11:04 pm on Friday, October 5, 2012
1. I find it hard to believe that these organizations would not notify the municipality (either as directed by law or as gesture of good faith) that they will be soliciting donations at busy intersections.
2. If the municipality is not notified, I would imagine that a police car would travel through that intersection at least once as part of their patrol. If there were legal issues, I suspect they would be addressed at that time.
3. If you feel like making a donation, do so, if not, don't. I have never felt pressured either way.