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1. JenV
   Member Profile

   

   I have ranted about this one before, but last night really took the cake. This has got to be the most poorly lit crosswalks in Seattle. Last night, we're headed to the yarn store. Waiting for traffic to clear so we can cross - about a block away I see a police car approaching. Logically thinking he's going to stop when he sees pedestrians in the crosswalk, we start across. HE DOESN'T STOP. He finally did stop when he was about on top of us. I yelled at him- I said you're a freaking COP- how can you not stop for pedestrians????! He said he didn't see us. Unbelievable.

   Who do I call, what can I do about this intersection? Even in broad daylight people get rear-ended here all the time when they stop for peds. You really take your life in your hands at this one. There are no flags, no lights at all.

   Posted 3 years ago #         

2. swimcat
   Member Profile

   I agree this one is scary. I never cross it myself, but as a driver I can never see peds at this crosswalk until it's almost too late to stop. I'm pretty aware of looking for peds too, there's just something about this location that makes it really hard to see.

   Posted 3 years ago #         

3. Anonymous
   Member Profile

   JenV - You could have requested his name and badge number and reported him to his superior at his precinct.

   Until this problem at the crosswalk is rectified, you could always cross at a different location. Sure, it may be a little further away, but exercise is always good!:)

   Posted 3 years ago #         

4. Sue
   Member Profile

   

   I was just at this intersection on Tuesday and had to cross twice - it is always frightening crossing there at night, and I had another incident where I wasn't sure if the driver saw me or not. I've started carrying a small flashlight on my keychain that I flash and wave around when I'm crossing - seems to get more attention, even if it feels ridiculous doing it. I also bought yellow wrist/ankle reflectors from Alki Bike & Board that (when I remember to bring them) I wear on my arms when I'm out at night and walking. But I don't always have them, which is why the flashlight works well too.

   Posted 3 years ago #         

5. JenV
   Member Profile

   

   well, I'll be sure and tell all the little old ladies who cross the street to go to Illusions that they need to walk another 5 blocks out of their way. RIIIIIIGHT.

   the point is, now that apparently I need to spell it out for some people, is this is a dangerous crosswalk, and the city needs to do something about it before someone is killed.

   Posted 3 years ago #         

6. Anonymous
   Member Profile

   Exercise is always good! :)

   Posted 3 years ago #         

7. JenV
   Member Profile

   

   well, so is thinking before you post...but no one is perfect.

   Posted 3 years ago #         

8. carrieann
   Member Profile

   

   Exercise IS always good, assuming you're in condition to make that extra trip out of your way. I get what JenV is saying here. I agree that the crosswalk is a scary one, and I've yet to use it. But as a driver, I always make it a point to slow down quite a bit before I reach that spot, just in case. And I can't say I care if the temporary speed reduction annoys those behind me. I cringe every time I see cars flying past there, seemingly oblivious to the people trying to make their way across the street.

   Posted 3 years ago #         

9. JenV
   Member Profile

   

   There are a lot of little old ladies who live in the building on the corner - and this crosswalk is a short distance away from where another old lady was killed this summer just for crossing the street.

   yes, exercise is good, but I seriously doubt any of those little old ladies are up for a 10 block walk out of their way. If you want to do that, more power to ya.

   For myself, I wouldn't mind walking out of the way, but you know what? I shouldn't have to - it's a GD crosswalk. Legally, I have the right to cross there. Legally, as a driver, you have the duty to pull your head out of your butt and pay attention to your surroundings. This means getting off the cell phone, put down your food or cigarette or whatever the hell you're doing and JUST DRIVE. I don't know why that is so hard for people.

   And the people who DO stop get rear-ended. I see it all the time. If they put in a stop light here, it would cut down on accidents and the possibility of ending up with pedestrian on your windshield.

   I wrote a letter to the DOT, to Hizzoner and to the SPD. I am guessing nothing will come of it.

   Posted 3 years ago #         

10. beachdrivegirl
    Member Profile

    

    Unfortunatly with the major budget deficits our state and city our facing I doubt anything will change with the cross walk in the immediate feature. So maybe this should serve as a reminder to all to be more proactive. If you are a driver, pay closer attention to your surrrondings and dont talk on your phone when you are driving etc. If you are a pedestrian pay close attention to drivers on the road, walk further out of your way to a better cross walk, or bring a flashlight like Sue does. I think everyone needs to be accountable here.

    Posted 3 years ago #         

11. JimmyG
    Member Profile

    

    I cross at this intersection a minimum of once a day and the vast majority of drivers slow and then stop for me.

    I also carry a small very bright flashlight with me after dark and shine it right at the front bumper of cars and they see me 99% of the time. I'm against putting a light there and this is my 'hood.

    I wish drivers would learn the law and realize when I'm crossing at SW Brandon one block away from the one JenV mentions here, that they ARE also required to stop for me at this intersection. Even if it's unmarked it is a legal crosswalk, so stop flipping me off when you're forced to stop for me.

    Posted 3 years ago #         

12. celeste17
    Member Profile

    

    I have problems with almost all crosswalks and non crosswalks at this time of the year. It gets dark so early and I get blinded by the halogen lights on cars. Its is so dark and I am blinded that I can't always see someone who is trying to cross. I try to slow down when I know I am coming to a marked crosswalk and just tonight three people were jay walking across the street and because of the dark clothes and not being in an intersection I almost missed them crossing. I was glad no one was close behind me when I had to stop quickly.

    Posted 3 years ago #         

13. bunnypug
    Member Profile

    

    I have taken to counting the number of cars who drive by me while I'm waiting to cross at a cross walk on Delridge. Its a really rare day that I am able to cross before hitting double digits.

    Posted 3 years ago #         

14. MrJT
    Member Profile

    

    JenV, you should get a mask of your avatar, THAT would bring traffic to a screeching halt.

    Posted 3 years ago #         

15. Kayleigh2
    Member Profile

    I complained about this intersection and they added extra signage and paint. They are aware that it's dangerous. I'm not sure how far they'll go to fix it, though.

    I've almost been hit there twice.

    Posted 3 years ago #         

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