Shine a light on pedestrian safety
Steve Kennedy of Salinas noticed that the pedestrian crosswalk at the intersection of Harden Parkway and Broadway had poor visibility. Kennedy sent an email to Gary Petersen of the City Public Works Department about the problem. The city staff adjusted the angle of the light, and the intersection visibility improved.
“Before the adjustment you could not see the word STOP painted on the left side of the crosswalk,” Kennedy said. “After adjustment, you could now see the word STOP painted on the street.” If adjusting the angle of the light is not adequate, the city can install a stronger light bulb.
Lighting is important because more than a quarter (26%) of all pedestrian fatalities occur between 6 and 9 p.m., according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Four recent examples of Salinas pedestrian deaths in the evening or early night hours are:
- In January 2016, Salinas resident Kathleen Risler, 64, was killed at the intersection of North Main and Harden Parkway at 9:17 p.m.
- In April 2016, 63-year-old John Phillips was killed at 10:09 p.m. on Natividad Road.
- In December of 2015, Jason William Rudd, 39, was killed at Alisal and Hartnell at 7:03 p.m.
- In August 2016, 25-year-old Johnny Pineda was killed at 10:12 p.m. at North Main Street and Bernal Drive. Pedestrian Miguel Sagrero, 55, was at the intersection of Bardin and Williams at 9 p.m., and although he was badly injured, he survived.
Lights save energy, lives
“The City of Salinas has been successful in upgrading all of the streetlights with energy saving LED (light-emitting diode) street lights at a cost of 25 million dollars. The energy savings over many years will outweigh the conversion costs of these new LED lights. What is missing is the need for additional savings, that is the saving of lives. We now have new LED lighting that can be adjusted to a limited degree to improve visibility at poorly lit crosswalks.”
— Stephen Kennedy, former member of the Salinas Traffic and Transportation Commission.
Dear Steve: We will need all three E’s to save pedestrian lives: E for the education of walkers and drivers, E for engineering of intersection design and improved lighting, and E for enforcement of traffic laws.
What can we do?
If you, dear reader, notice an intersection that is not well lit, let the Salinas Public Works department know about it at 758-7241. If you are walking in the evening, wear light-colored clothes or wear something reflective. If you are driving, slow down at crosswalks and look for pedestrians, especially in the evening.
Bicycle and pedestrian committee
Wednesday, 6 p.m., Sand City Council Chamber 1 Sylvan Park, Sand City. Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) Bicycle and pedestrian committee will meet. To see the agenda, go to visit www.tamcmonterey.org or call 775-4414.
Family Bicycle ride in Seaside
Saturday, March 4, noon to 2 p.m.: Family Biking Monterey County will hold a bike ride from Roberts Lake to Laguna Grande Park in Seaside. The ride is to celebrate Women's History Month. Meet at the parking lot by Roberts Lake; the group will ride to Laguna Grande Park at 1249 Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Seaside. If you want to just meet us at the park, find details at email@example.com
Balance bike camp for children
Balance Bike Camp on Sunday, March 5 will start at Seaside High School, 9-10 a.m. (continued on March 12 and March 19) Early registration special: discount when you sign up before Sunday. For information and to register, contact Email Lauryn at firstname.lastname@example.org
Send letters or questions to Goyawecouldcarless@gmail.com.