by Denzel Aguilar // Staff Writer
The presence of a crosswalk isn’t enough to ensure the safety of a pedestrian on the road. Many choose to jaywalk and avoid using designated crosswalks, while others use the crosswalk incorrectly or fail to comply with the provided traffic signals. Thats why it’s not just important for there to be a crosswalk in place, but that the pedestrians using it are mindful of crosswalk safety precautions. Although in this situation, it goes both ways. Often the pedestrian or driver may not pay attention causing a possible accident.
Estefania Valtierra, Carson High junior said, “…it happen with my friends and I. We were walking across the crosswalk, then a driver almost hit us and the driver said “that he didn’t see us”.
Others choose not to use the crosswalks since they fear of getting hit by a car which can cause severe injuries.
“My sister got hit by a car when she was crossing the crosswalk and she had several injuries”. This brings anxiety, fear and phobia of cars, trucks and moving vehicles.
There are many fears that come with crossing the street, and it may not seem like a big deal to some. Although crosswalks become pretty risky especially at night, especially leaning towards the weekends when there’s a higher chance of encountering drunk drivers or many more.
Junior Carson High School, student Kathryn Ruiz said “When I’m alone while crossing the street I am scared because you never know if a psycho is going to come out of nowhere and no one to tell you to be careful”.
A students personal responsibility for his or her own safety as a pedestrian can’t be overemphasized. The child must understand and follow the instructions given for walking or biking to and from school. Children develop life saving pedestrian awareness through practice under the supervision of educated adults who model safe pedestrian behaviors.
“I feel that because most people aren’t that responsible, there many crashes and other accidents that happen”. Ruiz said.
The crosswalk can be dangerous because nowadays people are on their phones whether they are crossing or driving. Protect yourself and your loved ones when using the crosswalk, and prevent pedestrian injuries and deaths.
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