Dear Editor: Your July 26 story, Car Hits Girl on Crosswalk, hit close to home. My nine-year-old son, on his way home from summer school, was only a few minutes ahead of the child who was hit. Coincidentally, that morning, he had pleaded with me to allow him to walk home by himself for the very first time. I reluctantly agreed, but watched from afar to make sure he remained safe. I was therefore shocked when, after crossing Grand Boulevard, he turned back and realized that the child who only minutes before was beside him, had been hit by a car. We didn't go too close as I was fearful for the
girl's life, but I am so glad to hear that despite her serious injuries she will live.
Your article indicates that the child was walking in a pedestrian crosswalk, however I can tell you that there is no formal crosswalk at Eighth and Grand Boulevard. There are crosswalks at Keith, Ninth, 11th etc., but none on the even streets. Perhaps this is something for the city to consider? However, even if there was a crosswalk, there is no guarantee that the driver would have paid any more attention. It has been my observation that careless driving is on the increase. Crosswalks, stop signs, speed limits, yellow lights and even red lights seem to mean nothing to many drivers. Which brings me back to the accident in question: How is it that a driver could come to a complete stop at a stop sign, look both ways and then turn and hit a child crossing the street immediately around the corner? This close call (for my son) has unfortunately confirmed my anxieties about the safety of a young pedestrian in this busy, distracted world. He will have to wait a lot longer before he gets to walk anywhere by himself again.
Jennifer Clay
North Vancouver
