Finding the pedestrians is the problem

Those new lights you installed on Broadway sure must drive the squirrels crazy. They sure don't do any thing for the pedestrians. All they do is show us where the crosswalks are. Finding the crosswalks have never been the problem.

Finding the pedestrian has always been and still is the problem. If we the drivers cannot see the pedestrians the pedestrians are in a world of hurt.

Why doesn't Moses Lake take a tip from Quincy and Ephrata? Buy some hand held flags like school crossing guards use. Flags about 18 " square on short broom handles, with bright red reflective clothe.

Train your pedestrians to hold these flags out in front of their body, chest high. This way we the drivers can see the reflective flags and know where the pedestrians are. We can see the reflective flag even if we cannot see the pedestrian.

The pedestrian should not wave the flag. In fact it is best if they do not wave it. Just hold it steady out in front of themselves with the cloth hanging down. This will give us the drivers something to see to locate the dark clothed pedestrian.

Put several of these at each side of the crossings. Train your pedestrians to put the flags back in the holders, after they have crossed, so they will be there the next time they need them to cross.

Ray Vessey

Ephrata