Great Barrington — Main Street got another upgrade this week after years of complaints over speeding motorists and a May 27 accident in one crosswalk that sent four crossing pedestrians — including two young children — to the hospital with “non-life threatening injuries,” but one in which, according to witnesses, bystanders watched in horror as a was woman carried forward on the hood of the vehicle, then thrown to the pavement when the car eventually stopped.
The brightly colored crosswalks were introduced by the Great Barrington Police Department after reports of other nearby towns installing such measures successfully.
Red and white striped crosswalks were added to help driver awareness of potential pedestrian crossings. The crosswalks were also painted with the words “Stop Look Wave” to alert pedestrians to the possibility of unaware or speeding drivers. On the crosswalk at the corner of Railroad Street and Main Street, there is a little bucket with a small American flag in it. Pedestrians are instructed to use the flag to wave at cars as they cross, in case drivers are not paying attention.
“I think a lot of the problems happen in the summer because there are more tourists and out-of-staters who are unfamiliar with the layout of Main Street and the need to drive slowly,” said Donna Martin, an employee at Sim’s Barber Shop with a constant view of Main Street motor activity. “I think the bright crosswalks are a good step to increase everybody’s awareness.”
Town Manager Jennifer Tabakin told The Edge the change was “an effort to create a safer environment for pedestrians,” especially in the summer when their numbers increase drastically. She also said the repainting “is just one of many ways to make pedestrians and drivers safer,” noting that the town would also be adding new signage to remind drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the area, of the speed limit.
Across the country similar moves have been taken to reduce pedestrian traffic accidents. Between 2001 and 2013, fatal pedestrian traffic accidents have been reduced by 3.4 percent nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to a paper published by Richard A. Retting, Susan A. Ferguson, and Anne T. McCartt entitled, “A Review of Evidence Based Traffic Engineering Measures Designed to Reduce Pedestrian Motor Vehicle Crashes,” prevention of pedestrian accidents is most successful when the speeds of cars are better controlled, as well as “measures that increase the visibility and conspicuity of pedestrians.”
