It seems natural to cross a crosswalk because we do it every day. It’s so natural to the point where sometimes we don’t look for oncoming cars and we feel safe.
Problem is, that’s far from how we should feel. The crosswalks on 12th Street are some of the worst crosswalks I have ever seen.
Throughout the day, multiple people push a button and orange lights begin to flicker, to signal to drivers that pedestrians are using the crosswalk. These orange lights are very visible, day or night, so drivers should be able to see them.
Even the neon signs signaling it’s a crosswalk are hard to miss. Unfortunately, way too many times there have been close calls between pedestrians and drivers.
People in their vehicles are speeding on 12th Street every day, leaving pedestrians at risk and it bothers me. I understand these crosswalks are not ordinary.
They don’t involve red and green stoplights, so I can see why drivers feel like it is another burden they can brush off. But the unwillingness to be patient from drivers boggles my mind.
I’ve been using those crosswalks every day of the week for the past two years. I’ve seen my fair share of close calls and they haven’t been pretty.
Since Sept. 25, there have been two incidents at the crosswalk. Both incidents involved students getting struck by vehicles as they rode across on their bikes. On Oct. 11, a student was struck and had to be transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Although it is state law to dismount your bike before crossing, there is no reason someone should be hit by a vehicle. Joey Eckerman, a freshman at CMU, uses the crosswalk daily and has his concerns over student safety.
“The crosswalk is dangerous for students who are trying to get to school. I feel like some drivers are having a hard time understanding that when the lights are flashing they need to stop,” Eckerman said.
A couple weeks ago, while I was in the middle of the crosswalk, a car stopped suddenly and the car behind it came to a screeching halt, inches away from colliding with the vehicle in front of me.
I couldn’t believe how close I was to being hit. It’s moments like these that further my belief that changes need to take place. Amber Sanborn believes it’s on students and other pedestrians to be more careful.
“If you’re not paying attention when you’re driving someone will get hurt, just like if you try to cross when it tells you to wait – you’re running the chance of getting hurt. The system is doing the job it was designed to do. People are just a little oblivious sometimes,” Sanborn said.
Action needs to be taken. Whether it’s putting up more signs, lowering the speed limit, or just being more careful, any action is a step in the right direction.
“It’s on the drivers to see that the lights are flashing. Look to see if students are standing there even if they don’t press the button. Stop, slow down. Do something,” Eckerman said.
Students need to spread the word. Spreading awareness is pivotal to avoid situations that recently occurred. Next time you cross, take your time.
Push the button, look both ways, and even take a few more seconds to make sure you’re comfortable crossing. Do anything and everything to ensure your safety.
