State law says that drivers are to stop for all pedestrians crossing the street, with or without cross walks. What else can be done? Run the damn fools over?
But what about cross walks where the presumption is that pedestrians are to be allowed to use at any time and drivers required to stop?
We noted at least three different designs while driving on West Chestnut Street. Some are at intersections with traffic lights and are made up of two open parallel lines. We presume they are not to be used except when the traffic signal is green for pedestrians.
Some are cross hatched but not at intersections with traffic signals. How many drivers notice pedestrians stepping into the street? We suspect not many. In fact, it can be dangerous to jam on the breaks when cars are following closely at 25 to 35 miles per hour.
Other crossing have different types of markings, but appear to be authorized pedestrian crossings.
Then we have cross walks with portable signs that say “pedestrian crossings.” Are these the only ones to be taken seriously?
Just as importantly, all of the cross walks all so faded that they are hard to see except near the curb lines. And that portion is often blocked from view until the last minute by parked cars.
The City (and townships in some cases) need to get its act together and standardize and freshly paint these cross walks. This should be a matter of prime urgency.
Otherwise people are going to get hurt.
