Having a hard time crossing the street? The Stoughton Police Department is planning to address this issue on Highway 51 (Main Street) throughout the city.
The department has teamed up with the Mayor’s Office, Senior Center, EMS and Street Department to educate the public on pedestrian safety. After the education phase, enforcement efforts will begin.
Some of the city crosswalks are equipped with pedestrian flags and more are planned. Here are some of the pedestrian and driver tips from the Safe Community Coalition: Tips for assertive but safe pedestrians
Point to the other side of the street with the flag high, while standing with at least one foot in the street (the legal trigger for drivers to yield). Look assertive. If there’s an empty parked car that can protect you, cross the parking lane in front of it so you are more visible to drivers.
Gauge the traffic in the lane nearest you, and make and maintain eye contact with the first driver who has to time make a gradual stop (Cars take a long time to stop; at 25 mph allow 75 feet or about five car lengths, up to double that if you’re doing this for the first time, if you’re a slow walker, for speeders, or for bad weather conditions). Let cars who are too close to stop go on by. Maintain eye contact with your selected driver; step out into his lane only when you are sure the driver is going to stop.
Safely cross the lane in front of the stopped car while looking for the first car in the next lane whose driver can easily stop. Then maintain eye contact with that driver. Move carefully in front of the new car across the lane as it stops. Repeat lane by lane until you have crossed all traffic lanes. Whenever you can show drivers you appreciate their courtesy.
Remember the flag is a helpful tool, but you still have to use normal caution. Don’t ever step into the path of a car when you are not sure the driver will stop.
Tips for responsible drivers
Obey the speed limit and keep well behind cars in front of you, so you can easily stop for pedestrians, and be well-positioned when the car ahead of you does stop.
Watch street edges and sidewalks ahead carefully for pedestrians and when you see someone obviously ready to cross, apply your brakes early and gently so the car behind you can stop, too. Always assume a pedestrian is crossing the street whenever a driver in front of you, or in the lane next to you, slows down or stops. Never pass a slowed or stopped car until you are sure no one is crossing the street. The fine: $222.50!
Stop for the pedestrian at least a car length or two short of the crosswalk so cars behind you and the pedestrian can more easily see each other around your car.
Remember the next time you may be the pedestrian, and this pedestrian may be the driver waiting for you. And thanks for stopping!
Link to Safe Community Coalition and Stoughton Police websites: http://www.safercommunity.net/trafficsafety/community_safety/pedflags.html http://www.cityofstoughton.com/police
