Description
With whom do I speak concerning the inadequacy of the pedestrian crossing light at the intersection of Pine and Howard? I've been crossing the street there to get to work for the past four years, and a few times a year cars zoom by and almost hit me. Today was one such incident where the car didn't even brake and just swerved around me; it actually looked like they sped up a bit. If it wasn't for a person behind me shouting, I could have been hit; it was pretty close. It's gotten to the point where I wait for ALL cars to be virtually non-existent before I'll cross, because I don't trust the light to notify the drivers, or the drivers to actually pay attention and stop. Today, the car that almost hit me was 5-6 seconds away when I hit the light and began to cross, which was plenty of time for them to make a controlled stop.
Something needs to be done, because nothing's changed over the past four years and just going to work shouldn't be this dangerous.
2 Comments
Acknowledged DPW Pine Customer Service (Verified Official)
Closed DPW Engineering PP (Verified Official)
Vermont’s crosswalks empower pedestrians but do not necessarily offer safety. Vermont law requires that motorists yield to pedestrians in crosswalks but also require pedestrians not to step out into the roadway when a vehicle is so close “that it is impossible for a driver to yield.” When using crosswalks, even when a signal is present, look left, right and left again. Never assume that you are seen or that a motorist will stop. Especially watch out for turning vehicles. Establish eye contact and wait for a safe opportunity to cross. The responsibility for safety at crosswalks is more incumbent upon the pedestrian than the motorist.
As some drivers do not obey traffic regulations and drive in a hazardous manner, this issue would best be handled by the Burlington Police Department, as it is their task to manage enforcement issues. DPW Staff would suggest that if you feel unsafe at any time please call the police department at (802)658-2700. Should any resident wish to bring this issue to the DPW Commission, they may attend the January Commission meeting and present their thoughts during public forum; the January meeting is Wednesday, January 16, 2019 - 6:30pm in our front conference room here at 645 Pine Street. Feel free to call Associate Engineer Phillip Peterson with questions or concerns; his direct line is (802)865-5832.
The Department of Public Works has resolved this request. Thanks for helping to keep Burlington a great place to live and work.