Speeding, Pedestrian Safety Main Issues In Traffic Talk

NEEDHAM, MA — One by one, residents came to the selectmen’s table Tuesday night with the same concerns about traffic. Across town, it seems like many are driving too fast with little consideration for those walking.

The board heard several issues related to traffic at Tuesday’s hearing on pedestrian safety. The discussion was scheduled following a Feb. 10 crash near Needham High School which took the lives of teenagers of Talia Newfield and Adrienne Garrido.

The two were walking from the school when they were hit by a car. The crash remains under investigation and no charges have been filed.

Residents who spoke mainly had two concerns - traffic speed and pedestrian safety. Teachers from Pollard Middle School said the speed of vehicles near the school made it dangerous for students and staff to cross the street. Others were concerned about the visibility of crosswalks. One parent said that she drives her kids to school because they are terrified to cross the road.

Selectmen Chairperson Marianne Cooley said they received many letters and pictures of areas of concerns prior to the meeting. The correspondents included one from Newfield’s father, who encouraged the discussion but said part of the problem involved inattentive drivers.

“We can install all the protective measures that we want but nothing will prevent drivers from failing to pay attention and seeing what’s in front of them. We would not want the town to pay money to make people feel better, to feel like they’re taking actions when they're getting a false sense of security,” Craig Newfield wrote.

Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick said at the start of the discussion they the town plans on conducting a complete streets pedestrian safety audit and creating a priority improvement plan. They then hope to have a traffic safety specialist make short- and long-term recommendations based on the study and testimony from the discussion.