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Fifth Street crosswalk ever-present danger

Editor, Index-Tribune:

    

  Be warned, the crosswalk on Fifth Street West adjacent to the Safeway is a real and ever-present danger.

  This past week, I had the opportunity to test that risk. Heading for the market, I activated the pedestrian signal bringing cars to a halt in the lanes to my left, and one stopping on my right. As I could see no car in the outside lane, I instantly stopped and peeked around the waiting car.

  It was a half-second peek that saved me from suffering severe injuries or entering the obituary page. An SUV, traveling at normal speed, made no attempt to heed the flashing lights. It rushed right through.

  Drivers get preoccupied, may be late for something or simply have bad driving habits and don’t observe signs. It makes no difference – pedestrians must take special caution, especially in such infamous crosswalks.

  Flashing pedestrian lights only notify drivers. They still have to put on their brakes.

  Gilbert H. Vieira

  Sonoma