The plan for removal of two crosswalks across downtown Saco’s Main Street seems logical at first glance, but could have unintended consequences.
The city plans to remove the crosswalks that cross the downtown section of Route 1, at Summer and Cleveland streets. Both crosswalks are located where there is no traffic light and driver visibility is often poor due to congestion, four lanes of traffic and parked cars.
Just last summer, Saco resident Constance Orendorf was killed when she was struck by a vehicle while using one of those crosswalks on her way to attend a service at Trinity Episcopal Church. Public outcry about her death led the city to commission a traffic study of the area, which was completed in September and suggested the removal of the two crosswalks.
The accident that took Orendorf’s life was a tragedy, no doubt, and we extend our condolences to all of those who feel her loss. However, we question whether the city’s decision to remove these two crosswalks is the best way to honor Orendorf. Removal may, in fact, lead to further deaths or injuries.
Once the Summer and Cleveland street crosswalks are removed, the traffic study recommends that pedestrians be directed use the crosswalks at the traffic signals. However, one of those is 425 feet away and the other is 915 feet away.
Anyone who has ever driven a car knows that people rarely use crosswalks, even when they’re 10 feet away. It seems obvious to us that many pedestrians will choose to dash across the road near where the crosswalks used to be, rather than going well out of their way to use a crosswalk at a traffic signal.
This holds particularly true in cold weather, when few people want to be outside longer than they have to be, and for those who are youthful enough to think they can outrun oncoming vehicles.
The traffic study notes that the crosswalks slated for removal are used primarily by high school students at the end of the school day. That information alone is reason enough to keep the crosswalks. Those students are not going to stop crossing Route 1 in the area that’s most convenient for them. Instead, they’re simply going to continue crossing there without the protection of those thick white lines that draw motorists’ attention to them.
According to the traffic study, only one pedestrian accident occurred in that area of Route 1 in Saco from 2007-09, and that was in the much busier area near the Saco Museum.
We must keep in mind that the man who struck Orendorf in 2010 was reportedly operating under the influence. The average, sober driver is unlikely to hit someone in a crosswalk, but it’s more likely that they will hit a pedestrian who decides to make a quick dash across the street rather than walking to the nearest crosswalk.
In addition to the safety concerns, we would note that these two crosswalks are in the attractive section of Route 1, where the city has invested a lot of money to install new lightposts and put electric wires underground. This downtown business district includes numerous shops, offices, banks, churches and even the post office ”“ all of which are meant to be experienced on foot.
It seems to us that removing crosswalks that allow visitors appropriate spots to cross the street will make the district less inviting, which is contrary to the city’s goal for the area.
The city has several other options, including installing a blinking light near or above the crosswalks, creating speed bumps, lowering the speed limit or making raised crosswalks. Any of these options would help draw motorists’ attention to the fact that pedestrians are likely to cross in that area ”“ and still give people a safe, designated place to cross.
Driving is a great responsibility and all motorists need to be on the lookout for people, animals and other cars ”“ particularly in congested downtown areas. Pedestrians should not be inconvenienced simply because one man who was allegedly operating under the influence happened to use his vehicle as a lethal weapon. Orendorf’s death was both horrible and avoidable, no doubt, and it would truly be a shame if her death serves only to make it more difficult to cross the street safely.
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Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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