A little respect for pedestrian traffic

In response to a recent article in the Daily Herald, I would like to comment on pedestrian safety. I live in Carol Stream and I am an avid runner and dog walker. I run early in the morning and I have lost count of how many times I have almost been hit by a car.

I am a safe runner, I always run on the sidewalks and obey stop signs, which is more than I can say for the drivers. Since when did S-T-O-P mean “slow down?” The intersection that concerns me the most is Birchbark Trail and Evergreen Drive, which has an elementary school a half block from the intersection. I have written to the police department and copied the mayor regarding this intersection. I have been assured by the village that “more patrol cars would be dispatched.”

That was three years ago. I have not seen 1 police car monitoring that intersection. I have noted, however, a lot of police lurking in the shadows on North Avenue, waiting to catch a car going 5 miles an hour over the speed limit.

The drivers in the village need to respect pedestrian traffic and above all, be cognizant of the safety of our children. Talking on cellphones, eating breakfast, and hurrying through the “slow down” signs will only get you to work a few minutes earlier. Isn’t basic safety, albeit courtesy, worth more than that?

Pam Zimmerman

Carol Stream