Why are so many dying in crosswalks? Who’s at fault?

The reasons are many, but the one most overlooked and most obvious is a lack of bold, effective crosswalk signs, signal lights and buzzers. And those responsible for public safety are to blame.

Drivers have enough to deal with, even without pedestrians. Crosswalks must be marked with signs and signals that are easily seen from a distance, alerting drivers to what’s ahead.

It’s too late when they’re right on top of them. The yellow crosswalk signs are totally useless. They’re not even seen up close, let alone from a distance. They just blend into the background street scenery.

Many crosswalks don’t even have signs or signals, even on roads five or more lanes wide.

It’s outrageous and the government is responsible.

Even the white crosswalk stripes wear off from lack of maintenance. It’s a disgrace.

It’s time for traffic engineers to go see how it’s done overseas. Other developed countries don’t have these problems. Australia and New Zealand are great examples. Too bad we lag so dangerously far behind the rest of the civilized world.

Keith Caywood

Kaimuki

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