Both drivers and pedestrians need to be more careful
By Brooke Bigda
Comment Columnist
As college students, we have a lot on our plates both on and off campus. With work, classes, projects, and never ending piles of homework, it’s difficult to really keep your mind on important issues that we tend to neglect, especially our concerns with health and safety.
When it comes to safety on campus, we need to be aware of our surroundings, especially when crossing the street. The issue for safety of pedestrians has become more and more problematic.
On Nov. 10, Roberta Harris was struck by a car as she was crossing the street when leaving the Walgreen’s parking lot. According to the police report, the accident occurred at 11 a.m., while she was crossing Summer St. Apparently the car involved in the accident was exiting the parking lot and turning left.
Harris had experienced head trauma and was rushed to the Brockton Hospital. Unfortunately, Harris passed away at the hospital due to her severe injuries. She was 68 years old.
Only being a few blocks away from campus, it’s hard not to be concerned about walking safely across the street. The university has taken precautions to help pedestrians by putting up signs in the middle of the crosswalk.
These reflective signs state that by law, all vehicles must yield for pedestrians on the crosswalk. Unfortunately, it seems that those who are driving the vehicles don’t really seem to care about the pedestrians, or think of their safety.
Whether they are distracted by texting, talking on the phone or finding a radio station, drivers are unaware of how dangerous it is. Speed is also an issue.
Some drivers who are running late will also neglect to drive within the speed limit. If someone was to cross the street, there would not be enough time for the driver to stop, thus it would endanger the lives of not only the pedestrian, but the person who is driving the car.
It is also important for pedestrians to take extra precautions when crossing the street. When you’re driving and on your way to the parking lot, you’ll notice that there are students who will just cross the street without a care in the world.
This is not only irresponsible, but negligent. Those who just walk out into the street are not aware that its not only dangerous for themselves, but everyone else around them.
It is also very traumatic for those who witness such an accident. On Nov. 25, BSU student Alex Kast had witnessed a man being struck by a car. The accident occurred on Route 106, heading out of East Bridgewater right before the Route 24 on-ramp.
Kast was driving behind the car that was involved in the accident. As soon as the car turned, the man started running across the street thinking he had enough time to cross, but unfortunately he didn’t.
As soon as it happened, Kast pulled over to help. Kast was so shocked by what happened that she couldn’t believe it. By the way the victim just ran out into the street, she even thought it was possibly a suicide attempt.
Kast believes that in this case, it wasn’t the drivers fault. She said, “Sure you have the right of way, but you still need to be careful.”
She added, “Be conscious for your safety and the safety of others.”
If we all took a page from her book, crossing the street would become a much safer experience.
A school is a place where you can get a quality education in a safe environment. It should not mean putting yourself and everyone else in danger due to complete negligence.
So, before you cross the street, make sure you stop and look both ways to be sure it is safe. If you are driving, be aware of your surroundings, drive the speed limit, and most importantly make sure you yield for pedestrians.
It is up to all of us not only as a school, but as a community, to look out for one another and make sure to keep us all safe.
Brooke Bigda is a Comment Columnist.
