Newton Residents Sound Off on Safety Issues

Newton, MA - Summer’s nearly here, and with each walk in the park, day at the pool and backyard BBQ comes the risk of snakebites, drowning and fires, but don’t worry! There’s no reason to stay cooped up inside all season.

Patch put together a list of summer safety tips to keep you safe and having fun while the weather’s warm. Make sure to give snakes their distance and always swim with a buddy to stay carefree during the dog days.

Keeping these tips in mind, there are other possible dangers that affect Newton residents year round.

We asked Patch readers what they thought the biggest safety issues were in their town. Here’s a list of the most pressing problems, from break-ins to traffic jams:

• "The traffic speed in Newton Center and the impact that it has on the safety of those in the crosswalks is concerning. It is so confusing especially at the intersection of Pleasant Street (CVS/TD Bank) and Centre Street."

• "Newton needs raised crosswalks, extended sidewalks at intersections and crosswalks, lights at the more trafficked areas, and I'd go so far as to say traffic cameras to enforce the laws. ..."

• "The MBTA should fix the stairs at the Eliot station, it's been 5 years! It's very creepy when you have to go all the way down the ramp at night."

• "Crazy selfish drivers. Everyone with the get out of my way mentality. Scary!"

• "The speeding down residential streets"

• "The traffic light at Oak St, Christina St, and Needham St. Just scary."

• "Circle of Death!"

Is there a problem that wasn’t mentioned? Share it with us in the comments below or on our Newton Patch Facebook page.