PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Streets Department used mimes and clowns to remind pedestrians and drivers to not be fools — on April 1 or any other day.
The city last year painted a gag “texting lane” on a street near City Hall as a not-so-subtle reminder that walkers who keep their noses buried in their cellphones should keep their eyes on the roads and sidewalks instead.
On Monday, the city sent a similar message using clowns and mimes from a local theater company.
The colorful performers silently scolded drivers and pedestrians who ignored safety laws at a major downtown intersection.
Deputy Mayor Rina Cutler says officials are always looking to engage the public on safety issues. Each year, about three dozen pedestrians are killed Philadelphia.
