People still are saying that there is not enough time to cross a street. There is. They are simply put off by a blinking "do not cross" sign. This blinking light is for people who have already started to cross a street and are at the center divider. It means: "continue to walk across." It means also that you should not start crossing at the far end - you will only make it to the divider. First the ‘WALK’ or the walking person indication-steadily illuminated-comes on. This means that you can start to walk across (traffic willing). The ‘WALK’ indication is usually on only during the first part of the total crossing time provided. Then the "DON’T WALK" or upraised hand indication begins to flash. A pedestrian should not start to cross a street at this time, but one who has already started to cross during the "WALK" may continue walking to the opposite side of the street. There will be plenty of time to complete crossing before traffic may begin moving. This is the part of crossing that most people do not understand. They don’t realize that they can walk during the blinking "don’t walk" sign. However, a steadily displayed " don’t walk" means that pedestrians should not enter the crossway.

Is it dangerous to cross at a crosswalk? You bet it is. Are you one of those who feels "safe" crossing at marked crosswalks? You shouldn’t feel safe. The San Diego Traffic Engineering Division often denies requests to mark new crosswalks because of their inherent danger. Studies indicate that pedestrians are twice as likely to be struck in marked crosswalks as in unmarked crosswalks. You can figure it out. So many pedestrians think that the motorists can and will stop in all cases - even when it is impossible to do so, or even when they can’t see the walker. Under the illusion that the drivers will yield, the pedestrian enters the crosswalk. Wrong move. You still have to watch for cars and look both ways.

The City has adopted a program to limit the installation of new marked crosswalks. In addition, all existing crosswalks are re-evaluated. By carefully managing new crosswalks, the following criteria are applicable: 1) The level of pedestrian demand 2) The speed of approaching traffic 3) The visibility of pedestrians by approaching motorists 4) The illumination of the proposed crosswalk area 5) Evaluation of the accident history, and 6) Other crossing facilities in the near area.

REMINDER: Don’t miss the big Holiday Festival 2000 at Seven Oaks Community Center on Saturday, October 7 starting at 9 a.m. Great exhibits, crafts, food and music. The RB Neighborhood Watch / Emergency Preparedness volunteers will have a booth there - giving out much free information and selling Emergency Mini-Packs. These mini-packs contain 3 days’ worth of food, water and a blanket for one person. Buy several for yourself and for gifts. Only $7 each. See you there!