Reader Writes: Deadly Livermore Crosswalks

Day after day, we read about pedestrians or cyclists who have been hit by automobiles in Livermore crosswalks. In most instances, they were crossing legally, often with "walk" signs giving them the right-of-way. [According to state law, even if the pedestrian is *not* crossing legally, the fact that s/he is in the intersection requires motorists to yield.] Another incident occurred at Stanley and Murrieta over the weekend.

I was nearly run over by a huge Ford 250 pickup a couple of weeks ago in the crosswalk at Murrieta and Holmes. I had the "walk" signal. I had "stopped. looked. listened." I then re-checked the right-turn lane to my left. When I was three steps into the crosswalk, the truck arrived, didn't even slow down before turning right — right into me. I instinctively whacked the top of his hood with my cane. He stopped four inches from me. While cursing me out, he waved his cell phone out the window at me.

I hear similar stories every day or two.

It is already too late, but the City of Livermore must take action to preclude future injuries and, possibly, loss of life in our crosswalks. The preferred action would be to install right-turn red/green arrows at controlled intersections, coordinated with pedestrian "walk" signals. An immediate, inexpensive "quick fix" would be to install "No Right Turn On Red Light" signs at every controlled intersection. Expensive, yes. But what price is a human life? We pay taxes, above all else, to ensure public safety.

Any person who observes a vehicle not coming to a complete stop *behind* the crosswalk (as required by the California Vehicle Code) should be encouraged to report such infractions to the Livermore Police. If the witness obtains a vehicle description and license plate number, the Livermore Police should issue a citation.
This problem has become epidemic. The City absolutely *must* take immediate preventive action.

--Morguefile image