Crossing from the Monument Park to the Fountain Park this morning, with the “walk sign” and in the middle of the marked crosswalk, a vehicle turned left coming from upper High Street onto Cross Street, and missed hitting me by only a few feet. When I called out in shock, the driver was apparently caught unaware, but seeing me standing, drove on. Clearly, the driver was paying no attention to
the possibility that there might have been anyone in the crosswalk.
This is hardly the first time citizens have come close to being injured in this intersection. We know from reports in the Chestertown Spy and the Kent County News that several citizens have been badly
injured in this location.
Although a few drivers might possibly be inconvenienced for a few minutes, appropriate authorities should make the traffic lights at this intersection turn red on all four sides at the same time so all vehicles MUST stop while pedestrians cross. Also they should eliminate the “right on red” at this intersection.
Another of the several dangerous intersections in town is located at Cross and Cannon Streets. I am surprised there are not accidents daily at this location.
Too many drivers are still talking on their handheld cell phones or texting while driving, which, of course, adds to the possibility of there being accidents.
Sincerely,
Edward E. Maxcy
Chestertown
Joan W Browne says
Editor,
I agree with Mr. Maxcy. This is a very dangerous intersection and a four way stop is an excellent idea.
At the same time, pedestrians all too often do not wait until the light changes in their favor and cross against the light. I have also seen pedestrians step into the crosswalks and keep walking without even looking or stopping to see if there is any traffic coming. This is a hazard all over town. The ideal method is to step off the curb, stop letting traffic know you want to cross, and then proceed when safe.
At High and Cross Streets there is a crosswalk at the light, a crosswalk from the Emmanuel Church, and another crosswalk from the court house. Is it really necessary to have three crosswalks is less than half a city block?
And yes, hand held cell phones is still a problem. When stopped at the light at Washington Ave. and Morgnec Rd., at any given time while waiting for the light to change, you can count numerous drivers making a turn and using hand held cell phones.
When the new cell phone law (fines) goes into effect on October 1st, the state and local police could make a fortune at that intersection.
Joan W Browne
Chestertown, MD
MBTroup says
Editor,
Every day, in larger towns than ours, people navigate intersections. And they often do so with less civility than what we see here. Nonetheless, people figure it out. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We need to adhere to the principles of safe and lawful driving. If we do not, our police force should be visible to deter such behavior.