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Local News

Allentown makes traffic safety changes around Dieruff High School

Changes in the speed limit and other measures follow the death of a teacher's aide who was struck by a car.

Dieruff-memorial
Memorial for Angela Yowakim, who died of blunt force injuries after being hit by a vehicle on North Irving Street.
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ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The City of Allentown has reduced the speed limit outside Dieruff High School following the death of a teacher's aide in September.

The speed limit is now 25 miles per hour on Irving Street, down from 30 miles an hour. Angela Yowakim was struck by a vehicle on Sept. 6  while crossing Irving Street near Andre Reed way by the school.

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The speed limit has been lowered and traffic signs have been added around Dieruff High School. Stephanie Sigafoos
  • Allentown lowers speed limit to 25 mph outside Dieruff High School
  • The speed limit change follows the death of teacher's aide Angela Yowakim, who was struck by a vehicle on Irving Street
  • Officials have yet to release details on the investigation

The city has also put up two new signs and the crosswalks have been painted.

The speed limit during school hours is 15 miles per hour, but neighbors say drivers frequently disregard that.

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The speed limit has been lowered and traffic signs have been added around Dieruff High School. Stephanie Sigafoos

The city last month refused LehighValleyNews.com's request for the release of the five-page incident report.

The solicitor's office denied the request by saying police crash reports are exempt from public disclosure under state law. The Lehigh Valley District Attorney's Office says the accident remains under investigation.

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