Dear Editor,
Re: “Jaywalkers soon to be hit with $50 fines,” News, Oct. 26.
In the recent article about jaywalking, the Richmond News cited a report to city council stating, “there have been 14 pedestrian fatalities in Richmond over the last five years. Four of those occurred outside of a crosswalk.”
In other words, 10 of the last 14 past pedestrian fatalities occurred inside a crosswalk.
According the News, “city council unanimously agreed with a transportation department recommendation to impose the fine on those who don’t use dedicated crosswalk.”
I’m no statistical analyst, but I wonder if focusing on “jaywalkers” should be the first response or best means to improving pedestrian safety.
Gary Cross
Richmond
