Notoriously reckless Boston drivers and distracted pedestrians have created a deadly mix on city streets.
So far this year, 519 people have been hit by cars, according to Boston police. Four of them have died and two suffered life-threatening injuries just last week.
These numbers should not be surprising to anyone who walks or drives around town. Boston drivers have a reputation of being rude, forcing pedestrians to be on their toes.
Yet, Boston pedestrians admit to not following the rules. A recent survey conducted by the Boston Public Health Commission stated that only 12 percent of pedestrians in the city waited for a “Walk” signal before crossing the street and a third jaywalked — crossing at least five feet from a crosswalk.
Despite all this, police have done little to crack down on risky walking. Last year, 767 people were struck by cars and nine died, police report.
But police have issued zero jaywalking fines in the last two years, according to Boston police spokesman Lt. Michael McCarthy.
I can’t blame them, considering the paper the fine is written on probably costs more than the fine itself. The fine for jaywalking is $1 in Boston, McCarthy said.
Beacon Hill lawmakers are considering taking up legislation on the use of cellphones while driving. What about reading your cellphone while crossing a busy street?
No one really wants any more rules on the books to control our actions, but something needs to be done. Hub drivers and iPhones make for a deadly mix.
Obviously, not all accidents involving pedestrians can be blamed on the person walking. Horrific accidents caused by careless drivers are often in the news, like the devastating story last year of Jessica Campbell and John Lanzillotti, who were run down and killed in the Back Bay.
These sad stories need to make people more vigilant.
I’m not advocating to increase the fines on pedestrians, but I do hope these statistics will increase people’s awareness. If the statistics don’t improve, we may see new regulations.
It’s just too deadly to do nothing.
Jaclyn Cashman co-hosts the “Morning Meeting” show from 9 a.m. to noon on Boston Herald Radio. Follow her on Twitter at @JaclynCashman.
Copyright © 2024 Jaclyn Cashman.
