When did pedestrian lanes cease to be enough to protect people crossing our streets?
Yesterday, I received a message from a lawyer regarding an accident that occurred directly in front of the Hall of Justice. A pedestrian was struck by a passing vehicle while on the crosswalk. She asked if there was anything we could do to improve safety, noting that this was already the second incident in the area involving a pedestrian. In exasperation, I replied that this points to sheer recklessness on the part of the drivers involved.
Upon inspecting the crosswalk today, I noticed it was freshly painted, and a traffic auxiliary is posted there daily—yet these accidents still occurred. We will be writing to the DPWH to request rumble strips in the area to warn drivers to slow down for pedestrian crossings.
But upon reflection, one is left to wonder: why are pedestrian lanes suddenly no longer enough? From a young age, we are taught to use crosswalks to stay safe. Drivers—especially motorcyclists—must respect these lanes dedicated to pedestrian safety. Yet we now find ourselves forced to implement additional safeguards. In jest, another lawyer friend even suggested installing speed humps in the area.
A few weeks ago, a pedestrian slapped a motorcyclist on the back of his helmet after nearly being hit on a crosswalk. The incident went viral on social media and was covered by mainstream news. Many people condoned the act, reflecting a shared frustration over drivers who disregard pedestrian lanes and compromise public safety. But it makes one wonder: can the reverse ever apply? Could a driver, for instance, slap a pedestrian who jaywalks just a few meters from a crosswalk—or directly beneath an overpass?
There are many ways to improve pedestrian crossings. They should be well-lit and clearly painted. We can leverage technology, such as pedestrian-actuated traffic signals. We can install rumble strips, construct overpasses, or—funds permitting—underpasses. We can also deploy traffic auxiliaries and public assistance personnel to guide pedestrians.
Ultimately, however, it comes down to discipline and courtesy. Without those, no amount of infrastructure will matter, and preventable accidents will continue to threaten life and limb.
~ SLC ~