A shared responsibility

Published 9:57 am Friday, November 27, 2015

We commend the town of Farmville and Longwood University for working together to install two new pedestrian crosswalk signs with flashing lights at Main and High streets. 

There’s no doubt that the devices will both better protect pedestrians crossing the busy roads and alert motorists to slow down and stop for those crossing the street.

One thing is important to point out, though: The safety of pedestrians is not a one-way street.

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Just because the town installs these devices does not mean that there’ll never be another accident involving a pedestrian.

“We sat there the other day, and one in 40 used the button,” said Town Manager Gerald Spates regarding use of one of the new signs.

There could be a flashing sign at every crosswalk in town and there would still be instances of pedestrians not paying attention or motorists not watching the road in front of them.

Pedestrians must use common sense when crossing the road — such as not stepping out in front of a vehicle that’s quickly approaching the crosswalk.

Motorists must do likewise. When approaching an area where pedestrians are crossing, slow down, stop and be patient.

Pedestrian safety requires a mutual understanding between motorists and those crossing the street.