Sadly, a 13-year-old girl in Longueuil was killed recently as she attempted to use a crosswalk. I am sure other deaths and injuries can be attributed to these so-called safety aids.
As a driver, as well as pedestrian, I have long wondered how unsupervised crosswalks can possibly ensure any pedestrian can use them without placing their lives at risk. It is ludicrous to think that painted (many badly worn) lines on our busy streets can be considered a safety aid.
As a driver, my attention is constantly divided among other cars, cyclists, pedestrians and a multitude of signs. Add darkness, our brutal cold, snowy and windy winters and you have a recipe for disaster.
There is also poor placement of crosswalks, as when there is a bus stop is immediately in front of one and, as the pedestrians overconfidently step out, they are hidden to oncoming vehicles by the bus. These same locations also lend confusion when there are people at the bus stops. As you approach, you must attempt to guess whether they are there waiting for a bus or just wishing to cross.
For the mental and physical safety of all, we need a study as to the use and benefits of our crosswalks before more people get hurt or die.
Tony Intrevado, LaSalle
