Dear Editor,
Monday Dec. 17 one of my coworkers was attempting to help an elderly lady cross the icy crosswalk across from Rowanoak Law Office. A Jeep sped around them honking his horn not even attempting to slow down for them.
This has happened on numerous occasions.
A few weeks ago I was attempting to cross the street and had to wait for three vehicles to go through before I could completely cross the street.
I have seen various seniors attempt to cross the street and almost get hit. This is a daily issue that is happening on the crosswalk on 50th Avenue located between the Legion and the Seniors Center.
We have called the police detachment several times making complaints on vehicles not stopping and swerving around us in the crosswalk, but we have found that it is getting worse.
Every time we have called the detachment they ask what we would like them to do and we have always stated just a warning.
I have even written a letter to Operation Check M.A.T.E. voicing my opinion about excessive speeds, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and people parking in the crosswalk. They conducted patrols on Feb. 6, 8 and 10, 2012. Nothing has changed.
Pedestrians have the right of way when they are in the crosswalk lines, painted on the streets. I am constantly amazed that the fine folks of our community do not look for pedestrians in our crosswalks, and even honk at them when they attempt to cross the street!
Maybe this town needs flashing lights on all their crosswalks for people to start stopping for them. I would like to see people who are parking on the crosswalks, speeding, and people who do not stop for pedestrians start getting tickets. No more warnings.
It seems like the only time change is made is when something horrible happens (like someone getting hit by a car) and I, for one, do not want to see this happen. I do not want it to be a senior, child, co-worker or myself lying dead on the street because someone could not make a five second stop.
Amanda Berwick,
Sylvan Lake