Letter: Local driving habits endanger children

I was recently in River Falls visiting my daughter and her family.

I enjoyed spending time with my grandson before and after school. I either rode a bike or walked to and from school with him.

I was appalled by how parents, grandparents and so-called responsible persons were dropping off or picking up children.

So many drivers were speeding and didn’t stop to give the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk.

May I remind people: “A crosswalk is that area of a roadway where pedestrians have the right of way.”

A “marked crosswalk” is any crosswalk delineated by white or yellow painted markings placed on the pavement. All other crosswalk locations are therefore “unmarked.”

Under Wisconsin Law, crosswalks exist at all intersections, extending across the street from the corner curbs, or on other parts of the street designated as pedestrian crossing locations by the painted lines, unless signed otherwise.

The sidewalks that we took were located at Rocky Branch School. We walked along the sidewalks that cross the entrance and exit of the parking lot and bus drop-off areas.

Not one driver including bus drivers acknowledged our right-of-way. We had to make sure that not a single vehicle was in sight before proceeding.

The school crossing guards apparently have no authority to assist children across the street. They wait until traffic has been cleared, then let the children proceed.

If drivers would stop for the pedestrians as they should, it would be much safer.

I’m amazed to hear parents are shocked when a child is struck by a vehicle. I suggest parents open their eyes. They could be the one to strike a child with careless driving.

Maybe it’s time the police start patrolling around the schools for speeders that are putting innocent children in danger.

Tags: opinion, letters, traffic