Within the last few months there has been a lot of discussion about how dangerous Wilton Drive is due to the deaths of individuals crossing the streets. The biggest discussion I hear is that there needs to be more timed cross walks so people do not feel that they need to cross a busy street where none exists.
Though I feel having crosswalks is of great importance, I think what may be of greater importance is educating individuals on how and when to use them. I have been on the drive a few times and watched as individuals crossed the street (when it was highly traveled) only a few feet away from the cross section. I guess saving a few steps superseded the safety of their own life. Perhaps they were afraid they would miss one more happy hour drink. The most “comical” were the individuals who crossed the street in front of the (empty) police car that was in front of the sign threatening to ticket people for jaywalking.
I am afraid that many who utilize the business (mostly at night) really do not care about their own safety. In fact, as my partner and I were heading down Wilton Drive in our truck 4 individuals got out of a car opposite one of the more popular evening venues and preceded to walk in front of us without even looking. If it were not for my partner’s quick reflexes we would be dealing with even more gory drama on the drive.
I think it odd that we as adults do not take interest in our own welfare and do what we can to be safe. I also think it odd that the city thinks that putting up a few crosswalks and maybe a few more lights will solve the problem. Perhaps changing destructive behavior and patterns should be a topic of discussion.
Anthony Johnson
photo credit: 2info4u.net
