Hospital representatives recently met with the city traffic engineer to discuss the timing of the cross walk light at 42nd Street and Dewey Avenue. Some employees have complained the light is not timed to allow them to cross. Although the traffic engineer will see if the timing of the signal can be adjusted, it was determined the timing is adequate for pedestrians to cross if they understand how the signal operates.
The “Walk” light (designated by a symbol person walking on newer signals) means it is OK to begin crossing the street. A flashing “Don’t Walk” light (designated by the symbol of a hand raised in the stop position on newer signals) means do not start across the street, but it is OK to continue to cross if you started prior to the light flashing. When the “Don’t Walk” light is continuously lit it is not safe to enter the intersection.
Pedestrians should be aware of drivers who, upon seeing a flashing “Don’t Walk” light, speed up to get through the intersection before the light changes. To ensure a safe crossing, pedestrians should:
- Always cross at the corner (one with traffic lights if possible);
- Cross when the walk light is lit;
- Look both ways before stepping off the curb;
- Try to establish eye contact with the drivers;
- Not start to cross the street if the “Don’t Walk” light is lit or flashing;
- Look for drivers who race to get through an intersection when the “Don’t Walk” light starts flashing; and
- Remember that vehicles may not be able to stop when the road is wet or covered with snow and/or ice.
To avoid an accident, especially one involving a pedestrian, drivers should:
- Be alert to what is going on around them;
- Avoid distractions and tasks that may take their mind and eyes from the road – talking on the cell phone, fiddling with the radio, eating, applying makeup, etc.;
- Not speed up to get through an intersection;
- Be alert to pedestrians who may step off the curb and into your path;
- Completely clear the snow and ice from your windows;
- Adjust their driving to the weather and road conditions; and
- Drive defensively – expect the unexpected.