‘What would it take to
protect pedestrians?’
The (DP-April 27) article regarding the student who was killed by another student running a red light on Patteson Drive made me wonder, “What would it take to protect pedestrians?” But it was Suzanne Riffon-Kenney’s letter to the editor June 9 that got my fingers on the keyboard.
About six years ago my wife was at a red light on Foundry Street waiting to turn left onto South University Avenue. Upon getting a green and entering the intersection she noticed an SUV northbound on University bearing down ready to T-bone her driver side door. Fortunately, she accelerated. The SUV hit the driver’s side, rear quarter panel and fled. Another motorist was following, saw the incident and got that driver’s license number.
The Morgantown Police Department located the owner. An officer went to the driver’s home where the driver explained he did not think he had hit the car and that was why he drove away.
For this, the driver was given a warning for failure to yield the right of way. Another violation option on the Uniform Traffic Crash Report was “Hit and Run, Failure to Stop After Accident” which was remarkably unchecked and with no related citation, warning or otherwise.
So the question again is, “What would it take to protect pedestrians?” How about we start with enforcement. Yes, I know. Pedestrians here are a rather unruly bunch. They could avoid darting out from between cars and such. But I live near the intersection of Wilson Avenue and Grand Street and witness “rolling stops” all the time. Let’s go with something easier. How about we start with enforcing yielding to pedestrians on High Street. I’ve stopped for crossing walkers and had cars in the next lane zip by both me and the walker.
This is not meant to indict the MPD. Lax traffic enforcement is the norm regionally.
Some argue there aren’t enough police or there are higher priorities. What’s a higher priority than the safety of people going for a walk?
Remember the yellow light is a warning to prepare to stop, not a signal to step on it.
John Sofranko
Morgantown
With wall funding on hold
look out for drug cartels
The Democrats got their way when the federal judge in California denied the Trump administration’s request to continue using Department of Defense money to build wall projects along our nation’s southern border.
Now they can deal with the illegal aliens and drug cartels coming to the United States.
Roy Tichnell
Newburg
Request to DOH: Please
blacktop this road
I’m writing this letter on behalf of my neighbors and myself.
I live on Cassville-Mount Morris Road (Monongalia County Route 43). There are more than 100 families that live on this road, also.
The state Division of Highways did a good job patching the potholes. Now, I’m asking the DOH to please blacktop our road. We will forever praise you.
Elizabeth Jeffrey
Morgantown
