By MARK DEVOLDER
Los Alamos
This letter addresses safety concerns I have about the crosswalk on Diamond near the Pueblo Complex.
Having the crosswalk in the Pueblo Complex area is a very hazardous idea and the crosswalk signs need to be removed.
Crosswalks on Central – There are numerous crosswalks on Central. The speed limit in Los Alamos County is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. However, there is speeding on Central. In addition, pedestrians may or may not use the crosswalks. Pedestrians can pop out from behind a parked car at any time. I avoid driving on Central for this reason.
Crosswalk on Diamond at the west side of the Los Alamos Golf Course – There are a variety of concerns about the crosswalk at the golf course. Weeds grow near the fence on the north side of Diamond, and it can be difficult to see golf carts. Although there are flashing lights provided at the crosswalk, pedestrians may or may not activate the flashing lights. There is the potential for a distracted driver to continue through the crosswalk (that is, kids fighting with each other in the back of a minivan, i-phone use, someone drinking from a thermos bottle, etc.).
Pedestrian Bridges at the Los Alamos High School – The bridges are the safest configuration for a crosswalk. However, I have observed youngsters running across Diamond and not using the pedestrian bridges.
Crosswalk at the Pueblo Complex/Police Monitoring – There are frequently LAPD vehicles parked on the east side of Diamond near the Denver Steel neighborhood. It would appear that there is a high incidence of speeding on this portion of Diamond. I have also observed Diamond being used as a drag strip. Unlike the crosswalks on Central where the speed limit is 25 mph, the posted speed limit on Diamond is 35 mph. There are no flashing lights on the crosswalk.
Crosswalk at Pueblo Complex/Rush Hour Traffic – Los Alamos County residents drive relatively fast during the morning, noon, and evening rush hours. Distracted driving and inattention while driving are a couple of concerns. I also have grave concerns about stopping the flow of traffic on Diamond to accommodate pedestrians. Traffic stoppage could lead to rear-end collisions.
Crosswalk at Pueblo Complex/Tailgating – Many Los Alamos County drivers have the habit of tailgating, weaving between lanes (to get ahead), and failing to provide sufficient clearance when passing. If this kind of behavior occurs close to the crosswalk, there may not be sufficient time for a driver to react or slow down/stop if a pedestrian is in the crosswalk.
Crosswalk at Pueblo Complex/Pedestrian Behavior – Pedestrians could include children, seniors, and joggers. A child or a jogger might run out into the crosswalk without looking for oncoming traffic. A senior might walk very slowing in the crosswalk. Seniors may have vision issues. Bicyclists may also use the crosswalk. The behavior of some bicycle riders can be erratic.
Crosswalk at Pueblo Complex/Weather Conditions – There are visibility and driver reaction time concerns during inclement weather (for example, fog, rain, snow, and ice). It may be difficult to see a pedestrian in the crosswalk or slow down/stop in a timely manner. Adverse weather conditions may cause a child, senior, jogger, or bicyclist to fall down in the crosswalk. It may be difficult for a driver to see someone who has fallen down in the crosswalk. Pedestrians may also be distracted by i-phone use or talking to other pedestrians.
Crosswalk at Pueblo Complex/Inclined Road – Diamond slopes gently to the south in the crosswalk area. Most of the other crosswalks in Los Alamos are on relatively flat ground.
Crosswalk at Pueblo Complex/Night Driving – I would not be very happy if a pedestrian decided to use the crosswalk at night when there is oncoming traffic.
