To the editor:
I don’t know who’s responsible for it, but either the city or state needs to invest a few hundred bucks to help protect pedestrians at First and Willis avenues.
For all the time and expense made to install the crosswalk lights there, some drivers seem to think it was a waste of tax money. I have to cross there frequently, and I can usually do so without incident. Then again, I come close to getting killed all too often.
That happened again today. Motorists need to realize that those “Walk” lights are not suggestions.
In any case, pedestrians legally crossing at intersections have the right of way whether there are crosswalk lights or not. As soon as a pedestrian sets foot in a guarded intersection, such as at First and Willis, no driver may cross or turn into the crosswalk. Don’t try cutting in front of the pedestrian or risk clipping them from behind.
Not counting labor, additional signage to remind drivers to stop for pedestrians would cost somewhere between $800 to $1200, according to my research. That expense is trivial compared to a human life.
I don’t know who’s going to take care of this, but I’m not going to let it go until proactive measures are taken. If the city doesn’t see to it, then maybe the county or state will.
I will not accept no for an answer. I will not let it go. If something isn’t done, someone is going to get nailed by an impatient or inattentive driver. If drivers are going to continue ignoring the “Walk” lights, then the lights may just as well be removed.
I repeat” the “Walk” light is not a suggestion. Not taking it seriously is likely to cause a tragedy.
Nick Eakins
Perry