📺 Info Siaran: ixp//p/roundabout dangers university avenue crosswalks

We have come to the time of year when all the schools and colleges are almost back in session. Actually, some schools have already started, and some will wait until after Labor Day. Every year I have noticed more and more people not paying attention as they cross the road. Pedestrians have the right of way, obviously. But, let's not get this twisted.... you still need to look for cars.

DIDN'T WE ALL LEARN THIS WHEN WE WERE KIDS

Didn't everyone learn when they were kids to always look both ways before crossing? And in the St. Cloud area, look both ways on a one way street. Only kind of kidding on that one.

CERTAIN TIMES OF THE DAY CAN BE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE

It's especially difficult early in the morning or in the evening when it's dark. People will have a dark hoodie on, hood up, ear buds in, and looking down at their phone. This is not great. They cannot see or hear a car coming at that point. And it's up to the driver to notice that there is a person there. This can be difficult when it's dark, and the pedestrian is wearing all dark clothes.

This is dangerous. It can be almost impossible to see someone crossing the road during these conditions. The worst part that I have seen recently is around the roundabout on University and 5th Avenue. Also, up further on 9th and University where people tend to cross the road anywhere. Not necessarily in the crosswalk - just anywhere and in between cars. Scary.

LET'S ALL BE A BIT MORE CONSCIOUS

Bottom line is this: Pedestrians- pay attention, get off your phone, don't just figure that since you have the right of way and drivers need to stop and allow you to cross the road that this is going to happen. And drivers- pay extra attention as you approach these crosswalks around town, and especially around the SCSU campus.