Editor, OBSERVER:
I feel bad for the pedestrian who was recently struck by a car at a crosswalk in Fredonia. I also feel bad for the driver, who may be the victim of inadequate signs at this crosswalk.
For the sake of all drivers, particularly those from outside this area or from out-of-state, signs at crosswalks where mandatory yielding to pedestrians is required should clearly state: "Drivers yield to pedestrians in crosswalk - state law." These signs should be placed where they can easily be seen by drivers, in well-lit areas.
That having been said, in recent years I have become more nervous as a driver, afraid that I won't see a pedestrian - especially at night, when it's often not easy to see someone wearing dark clothing or in a place without adequate lighting. In "my day" as children we were drilled always to "look both ways" before crossing a street - crosswalk or no crosswalk. We were taught never, ever, to step out into a street in front of a moving vehicle. Nowadays, however, it's common for drivers to encounter pedestrians who walk out in front of them without even bothering to look. Such people, who assume that every car will see them and will stop for them, are risking their lives.
I don't know what the long-term solution is to raising the consciousness of both pedestrians and drivers to a higher level of awareness and caution. Certainly, though, the short-term solution is to make sure that both pedestrians and drivers are protected by clearly-marked crosswalks with adequate lighting and signs which leave no doubt that drivers are required to yield.
THE REV. SEAN DUGGAN,
Brocton
