Downtown Intersections Risky Business for Pedestrians and Drivers Alike

One night after dark, we were driving down Redwood Boulevard and a pedestrian appeared out of nowhere in the crosswalk by the downtown bus depot.

We stopped in plenty of time, but the next time I drove by I realized how invisible the pedestrians are in that area. There are tall shrubs, large trees and many signs obstructing the view for the pedestrian and the driver.

When I visited the to inquire about particularly dangerous  crosswalka, I learned that other hotspots are Grant Avenue at First Street, Diablo Avenue at George Street (in front of Safeway) and Redwood at Olive Avenue.

An off-duty officer and I discussed how Petaluma has pedestrian-activated flashing lights, visible only to the approaching motorist, as an advance warning that someone is in or near the marked crosswalk.

How much do the activated flashing lights cost? A Santa Rosa company,  LightGuard Systems, approximates the cost at more than $10,000 for each intersection.

Do you think this should be a priority for the city?