LETTERS LETTERS (February 09, 2005)

Some rules for crossing Menlo Avenue

Editor:

Noting your story about the intersection at University Drive and Menlo Avenue, I couldn't agree more that it is a tricky intersection requiring attention from both pedestrians and drivers.

I am 81 years old. Every few days I park in the Draeger's parking lot across the street and then cross in the crosswalk. My rule is, never start to cross until you see that the driver is looking at you. It is just common sense.

I am always surprised at the number of people who will step out without looking at all, either at the car at the stop sign or one turning right. A short time ago someone was hit in the Safeway parking lot by a car backing up. I believe the driver was faulted, but the blame lies with the inattentive pedestrian.

We all know that backing out when an SUV is beside you is backing out blind. People should know that when a car's backing lights are on you should wait -- but so few do, just as so few look around before crossing a street.

It is an avoidable tragedy. I am not sure that a complicated light with left turns and crossing buttons will work but, rather, cause a traffic jam beyond belief which will lead to impatience which could well exacerbate the problem.

Anita McCreery

De Bell Drive, Atherton

Crossing flags an expensive proposition

Editor:

In order to cut down on accidents at the University Drive/Menlo Avenue intersection in Menlo Park, the city plans to offer little orange flags, which are supposed to ensure pedestrians a safe crossing. A similar system has been in operation for a while, on Ravenswood, near the library.

While this might be a worthwhile goal, I was surprised when the Almanac reported last week that the flags for the University/Menlo crossing would cost $4000! Are the handles made out of gold, and the flags of fine silk?

I looked at the ones near the library, and I don't think the material would cost more than a few dollars. There also are instructions on how to use the flags. Good, as it's hoped people don't get the idea that they simply have to swing the flag and continue chatting to each other while crossing, without paying any attention to traffic.

Dieter Hurni

Eighth Avenue, Redwood City

(Editor's Note: City officials say they now expect the new flags will cost less than the $4,000 spent on the Ravenswood Avenue flags because only one new pole will be installed for the flag holders, instead of two. Workers will use an existing stop-sign pole on one side. In addition, the city will bring the work in-house instead of having it done by a contractor. City officials said they did not yet have a new cost estimate.)

Life changed by Menlo Avenue accident

Editor:

Thank you so much for your article this week about the incredibly dangerous intersection at University Drive and Menlo Avenue.

On the morning of June 28, 1999, my life was changed when I was hit by a car while in the crosswalk on my way into Draeger's and thrown 18 feet onto the pavement. I was a month away from my 74th birthday. Though I survived, I had to have surgery on my leg three days after the crash, and a knee replacement a few years later.

After more than a year of negotiations with the attorney for Menlo Park and the driver's insurance company, I settled for a nominal amount of money. Yet no amount could ever make up for the pain and suffering this event has had on my life. My mobility is severely limited. I still flash back ot the sound of the car accelerating before being hit with a "thud."

Lavon Duncan

Trinity Drive, Menlo Park

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