November 2007 Vol. 26. No. 11

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Creativity in the Garden
Medicare’s annual enrollment period
Not quite a scam
Public safety
Alzheimer’s Month
Veterans Day

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Public safety
Some streets blink to warn of pedestrians crossing
by Sheila Perrot

The City of Eureka has completed the crosswalk warning light systems at the intersections of West Avenue at Tydd St., S St. near Trinity St., and W St. at Russell St., and the lights are now in operation.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) placed in the pavement or in the crosswalk signs will flash when activated by pedestrian push buttons at each crosswalk.

Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians crossing the street when allowed adequate stopping distance to do so. When crosswalk warning lights are flashing, look for pedestrians and stop for them.

Pedestrians activating the crosswalk warning light systems must still look both ways before crossing, wait for traffic to clear the crosswalk or come to a stop, and watch for turning cars.

The City of Eureka has a high pedestrian collision rate. The collisions are seen mostly in the age groups from 0-19 (students), and 51-70 (seniors). The primary causes of these collisions are drivers not stopping for pedestrians at crosswalks, and pedestrians not using safe crossing techniques.

Following evaluation of this pilot program, the city may elect to install additional such crosswalk warning systems at other locations.

Sheila Parrott is project manager with the City of Eureka engineering department.