briana

Sat, Aug 10, 2013 : 2:52 a.m.

This girl was my best friend, unfortunately she did not make it. I thank you all for your prayers and I would really appreciate if you had anything to spare if you could send donations to help with funeral costs would be great. Here's the link: http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/sharita-williams-memorial-fund/78605

FuriousEmma

Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 12:42 p.m.

The mid-block cross walks are a really bad idea on heavily traveled roads like Plymouth. I fail to understand why they exist at all - how lazy have we become that we can't walk to the designated cross walk that is designed to conduct foot and auto traffic? You plunk a cross walk in the middle of the block with really no warning - where drivers are used to progressing freely - add the hubris of the Ann Arbor pedestrian - of course someone is going to get hurt. What engineers and council members thought this was a good idea? Given the uptick in pedestrian vs auto incidents recently - I'd say this plan is failing.

nick4bty

Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 6 a.m.

It's been confirmed that the young woman who was hit earlier today has passed away just after midnight. Please pray for Sharita Williams, and please leave her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Stuart Brown

Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 1:47 a.m.

Instead of letting bodies stack up, why not get the new council to spend some money on a stop light for the intersection (drivers respond to red lights.) Enforcement will more than likely not be very effective, but it will provide a nice big false sense of security.

John Q

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 6:30 p.m.

Want to make a safe environment for pedestrians? Narrow the road and slow down the speeds. Of course, that will inconvenience drivers but it will save lives and reduce injuries. But I'm sure we'll see from the responses that anything that inconveniences drivers can't be considered.

Nicholas Urfe

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 5:47 p.m.

Did the driver, who is alleged by the witness to have driven through the crosswalk lights after they had been flashing for 30 seconds, drive that route on a regular basis? Or was this their first time driving through that section of Plymouth?

Woman in Ypsilanti

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 5:22 p.m.

I don't feel it is asking too much to expect drivers to pay attention to these signaled cross walks. They are very noticeable. I travel on roads that have them regularly and I have had no problems seeing them or stopping when a pedestrian has activated the signal. No, they don't go to yellow immediately but pedestrians can be expected to wait a couple of seconds to give people time to stop. That is how I do it when I am a pedestrian and I have yet to see a pedestrian hit the button and then jump into the road immediately

Chroogomphus

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:41 p.m.

Looks like its time to build a pedestrian bridge at this location

Bertha Venation

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:11 p.m.

All this arguing back and forth. Couldn't this be solved with two words for EVERYONE? "Pay Attention."

Kyle Feldscher

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:07 p.m.

I'm trying to get an update on the woman's condition. Police have not told me the crash was fatal yet, so that leads me to believe that she is still in the hospital, but I'd like to confirm that. Please bear with me.

Tony

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 3:55 p.m.

Next step: Pop-up chain link fences. When the lights start flashing, up they come! That should do the trick.

A2comments

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 3:11 p.m.

Any crosswalk, no matter how equipped, requires the pedestrian to look both ways before crossing. You can't trust the signal, you need to see cars stop completely. Have no idea if there was an issue with this or not in this case - just responding to those who say that the signal should work. You can't trust it, drivers do what they want. Anyone that says a pedestrian should wait for all 4 lanes to stop hasn't driven on these roads - most people do NOT stop when they see a pedestrian on the other side of the road where there is a middle island, they just fly through. The way many of these are equipped, a pedestrian could safely stay in the middle of the island while ensuring that the last 2 lanes are clear of traffic. On Monday we were on Carpenter coming north from Meijer. Brand new crosswalk with signals installed recently right where a senior tower is. Senior citizen crossing the two southbound lanes, with NOTHING FLASHING. We stopped, other lane stopped, she looked and kept going. I don't think she ever pushed the button. I hope the woman recovers.

PhillyCheeseSteak

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 2:49 p.m.

The location of this accident is very near where 2 pedestrians (University of Michigan students) were killed several years ago.

Hume

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 2:26 p.m.

It seems like pedestrian/car accidents have gone up since Ann Arbor passed the pedestrian safety ordinance. I would like for the city counsel to look into that. Have they made things worse by giving pedestrians a false sense of security? Since the ordinance passed I have seen several brazen pedestrians making their way across crosswalks at lights where they had a clear stop signal. At Fuller and North Main I saw a young man walk right in front of cars turning left from North Main onto Fuller. The cars had the green arrow and the man walked across the crosswalk and stepped out into the middle of a line of cars turning!!!

BlueEyesGirl

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 2:24 p.m.

I was crossing in a cross walk on Monday, and a UM Safety Services (aka Police) didn't even stop for me!

NSider

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 1:46 p.m.

I am reminded of sailing a small boat in a channel surrounded by large freighters. The law was on our side, we could have insisted on the right-of-way. But I like living. Crosswalks give pedestrians the right of way. They too can insist on the right-of-way. Hopefully all the drivers are attentive and are listening.

buvda fray

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 1:39 p.m.

There is no consistency in the marking of crosswalks in Ann Arbor and around Washtenaw County. Some have signs, some have yellow lights, some have red lights, some beep, some have white lines, others have bricks inlaid in the street, etc. etc. The "hawk" one is particularly odd - the lights are kind of like a mix of a railroad crossing and a 4 way stop with a short in the wiring. Back in the day when we learned to drive, there were a few light signals that you had to learn and understand. Now with blinking lights, alternating lights, different color lights, flashing strobe lights, blinking arrows, etc., it's no wonder that the average driver wouldn't understand what is expected. Idealistic Ann Arborites may wish for safe crossings 100% of the time, but reality and physics play a part and people will get hurt once in a while. So, what was wrong with a few consistent signals that offered no surprises, room for wonder or reasonable expectation of misinterpretation?

LXIX

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 1:35 p.m.

This locatation marks the very beginning and now hopefully the very end of Ann Arbor's criminal Crosswalk Ordinance. This should be the 2nd item on new Council's agenda. (The first ? - close downt the DDA). Suggestion - "Pedestrians entering a crosswalk legally under State Law must ensure that it is safe to do so." "Vehicles must avoid pedestrians legally crossing within a crosswalk.". "All of the former City crosswalk ordinances especially the criminal ones enacted by City Council members (names entered here permanantly into the record) are nullified."

foobar417

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 1:32 p.m.

For folks who say "there's nothing we can do ... people choosing to be pedestrians are taking their lives in their hands, so everyone should drive everywhere", that's insane. There are plenty of other states where drivers have no problems yielding to pedestrians. For example, here's a simple (if extreme fix): If you injure a pedestrian or cyclist with your car, 5 year minimum jail time. I guarantee you, people will drive like church mice. Obviously this is an extreme example that as a society we are probably unwilling to do, but it proves the point that yes, there are things we can do to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. The question is what is the right balance between being a safe driver, cyclist, and pedestrian and the need for people to reach their destinations. If a family member of yours was badly injured or killed by a driver, I guarantee you these are not reasons you'd be inclined to be forgiving of the driver ... 1) I didn't understand the signs or traffic signals or crosswalk. 2) I was texting or talking on my phone. 3) Everybody speeds in that stretch. 4) I'm from out-of-town. 5) It was a four-lane road. There is absolutely *nothing* in this article to indicate the pedestrian was at fault. There is something (specifically the quoted witness) to indicate the driver was at fault. Shows where people on this message board are coming from that almost all the posts implicitly blame the pedestrian.

Nicholas Urfe

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:55 p.m.

Other Michigan cities have signs that say: "State law: Stop for pedestrian in crosswalk" In some cities temporary signs are placed in the middle of streets and removed at night. Ann Arbor has few major routes in and out of town. I have asked the question before - why don't we have large signs to remind people of this state law at the major entry points to the city. Put a sign at the state street overpass instead of that $350K art project. Put signs on Jackson, Arbor-saline, Plymouth and Main Street.

Nicholas Urfe

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:47 p.m.

Time for traffic calming devices on Plymouth? Lower speed limits in that area and add some speed bumps.

Nicholas Urfe

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:45 p.m.

Those who keep trying to shift the blame to the injured pedestrian by saying they just need to look should be ashamed. The disabled - including the blind, deaf, or mobility impaired - also have every right to cross the street at a crosswalk. The STATE law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk.

trapper

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:43 p.m.

The crosswalks expose vulnerable pedestrians to fast moving traffic and are inherently unsafe. Their safe operation depends not on white lines and flashing lights, but, vitally, upon prudent behaviors on the part of drivers and pedestrians alike. We're defying human nature and exposing people to injury when we expect consistent compliance.

NE Steward

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:40 p.m.

Last I heard from the city officials - the fine for violating the pedestrian safety ordinance in Ann Arbor is $100 plus $30 in court costs. There are no points added to a driver's license for violations of the ordinance - is this still correct?

NE Steward

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:35 p.m.

We were informed at a recent "Town Hall Meeting" by Mr. Seeto that there were no additional funds to help monitor and control the automotive traffic conditions on this road. We have the same problem and perhaps even worse (because we are dealing with children attending elementary and middle schools) on Green and Nixon Roads. Commuters rushing in and out of Ann Arbor, all in a hurry and some really not paying attention!

Jim Mulchay

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:32 p.m.

For the civil libertarians to discuss - Why not put cameras on these pedestrian crossing lights (also the "hawk" lights) that are activated when the light is activated and run until the light turns off (or a little after). Then (1) if there is an incident it can be reviewed or (2) the file / video can be reviewed periodically to identify those sites that appear to have safety issues so those sites can be actively monitored on-site by the AAPD. Note that I am recommending the pictures for analysis, not punishment. A further step would be to ask the NSA for phone / text activity in moving vehicles in Ann Arbor, but that might make someone unhappy. Worst case is that an EMU or UM student can do a PHD thesis with the material gathered.

NE Steward

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:28 p.m.

How would you suggest the U of M students get to school and go shopping? Do you not feel that the speed is excessive on this road and limits are not enforced? With U of M expanding operations on this road and building a huge garage how do you propose to manage the pedestrian and automotive commuter traffic

EyeHeartA2

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:24 p.m.

It would be interesting to report on the rate of serious pedestrian accidents on that street, or maybe within the entire city, comparing before and after the pedestrian ordinance went into effect. There may be an inconvenient truth in there someplace.

A2DP

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:17 p.m.

I hate to say it but it was just a matter of time. Those crosswalks are a horribly dangerous idea for this road in particular. I drive it every day and I have seen people crossing that have almost been hit a number of times. I hope this woman has a full recovery and I hope they get rid of these type of crosswalks on plymouth before it happens again.

Tex Treeder

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:14 p.m.

I hope the pedestrian recovers, and the driver, too. A terrible incident for all involved. Are you happy now, City Council? See what a nightmare you've created with your attempts to socially engineer driving habits.

63Townie

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:08 p.m.

I'm not going to speculate on the root cause of the accident. However, I live in the area and know this particular stretch of Plymouth Rd. is INCREDIBLY busy between 4pm and 6pm, especially near the west entrance of the Plymouth Road Mall where the pedestrian crossing is located. It is difficult to turn left into the mall there, or even make a left turn onto Traverwood at the light. I agree with other posters that an added police presence during high traffic volume times might help to raise motorist awareness.

Fender66

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:08 p.m.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: These crosswalks need to be taken out. Cars have the right of way on the roads, not walking pedestrians. If you want to cross the street, walk down to the traffic light and cross there, after all cars have stopped! The crosswalks only give walking pedestrians a false sense of security, which produces accidents like we saw yesterday, which was tragic. Prayers for the victim.

Bill Sloan

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 11:31 a.m.

One word: overpass.

st.julian

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 10:55 a.m.

A flashing yellow light does not cut at these locations. People may not undertand the meaning or not seen the signs.A flashing red stop light like the one on west Washtenaw needs to be installed.

bunnyabbot

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 5:37 a.m.

I feel like more accidents are happening with all the newer crosswalks. I am amazed at how many pedestrians cross on Stadium without making sure both on coming traffic lanes have stopped. I do not cross until all cars have stopped for me that should, I don't feel like it's safer to use a crosswalk now than in the past. Hope this pedestrian has a full recovery. Very sad.

ypsisoul

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 5:28 a.m.

Any updates on her condiion???

babs

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:55 a.m.

Just stop with the overhead pedestrian crosswalk idea. It may sound like a good plan, but the reality is that...No One Would Use it! At the height it would need to be and length across 5 lanes, why, the required ramp system alone would be so cumbersome, we would have people darting across street level traffic to save time and effort. Now that the students cannot use the Kroger carts to haul groceries to North Campus, they won't want to carry bags up, across and down the bridge!

Linda Peck

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:53 a.m.

I am praying for the young person that he or she will have all of the fine medical care this city can provide. It is horrific to imagine what this person is going through right now. Ann Arbor City Council needs to step up and face facts about these experiments on our roads. That is what they are and I believe someone from City Hall has said as much. Attempting to turn Ann Arbor into a pedestrian/bicycle city is not successful. Bikes, people, cars, and trucks are not equals on the road. People and bicycles need their own paths. Intersections of those paths should be uniform and universal, not experimental. We need enforcement, as well, for the basic laws of our roads, which we have very little of right now, due to lack of proper spending on the part of City Council and DDA.

snark12

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:09 a.m.

There are traffic environments all over this country and around the world that make Plymouth Road look like a rural country lane. Cars and pedestrians navigate them just fine. (And, in my experience, people in most US locations will stop for people in a crosswalk with no drama.) If you're saying the crosswalks and the signage are too confusing for you as a driver, then you might as well give up driving. Your responsibility behind the wheel is to be alert to changing situations, including the pretty obvious possibility that someone will try to cross the street at a crosswalk. Any attempt to blame this on the pedestrian is just ridiculous.

matt1027

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:02 a.m.

This is another tragic accident due to that criminal law that has people thinking that if they push the button and walk into the street they will be safe. As it always has been, the roads are filled with poor, inattentive drivers. Only now we have a stupid law that has many pedestrians and cyclists thinking that they can walk out into traffic and everyone is paying attention. People run red lights accidentally too. Good lord people, pay attention.

Sourpuss

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 3:54 a.m.

This is a terrible tragedy caused by a terrible, irresponsible driver. Unfortunately, there are plenty of terrible drivers around, and we should not test them by installing different kinds of traffic signals at every pedestrian crossing. Seriously, who thought it was a good idea to invent this hawk traffic signal that no one seems 100% sure what blinking red is supposed to mean? Why was yellow used as the stop color in the Plymouth signal when it means caution everywhere else? Why did we get all creative instead of using standard Red/Yellow/Green signals that everyone recognizes?

Sweet Life

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 2:25 a.m.

For those saying, "Why can't people just walk a half block to the next intersection?", you must not be familiar with this part of town. The distance between the light at Murfin and the light at Traverwood is a half mile. There are two crosswalks in that space. Between Traverwood and Nixon is another quarter mile, with one crosswalk in between. For comparison, the distance between intersections in a typical city block in Ann Arbor is 0.06 miles - a much, much shorter distance. Now imagine that you are carrying multiple bags of groceries from Kroger to your apartment on north campus. How likely are you to want to walk an extra half mile to mile to get to the nearest intersection and back? The simple fact is that whether there are crosswalks in this area or not, people will be crossing between intersections. We should make those crossings as safe a possible.

Sweet Life

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 2:09 a.m.

So many people seem to be blaming the victim. Look at the facts: - It was a clear day with no visibility issues. - There are very large, very obvious overhead signs visible a quite a distance indicating a crosswalk. A crosswalk sign means "Caution - there might be a pedestrian." Any driver should know that they should be looking for pedestrians and be prepared to stop. - The flashing strobe light is also very obvious, visible at quite a distance and clearly indicates the need to stop. People who drive on Plymouth, but don't notice these things or can't be bothered to stop, shouldn't be allowed to drive.

justcurious

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 2:04 a.m.

So it sounds to me what people are saying is: 1. Get rid of the between intersection crosswalks totally. or 2. Install regular hawk signals there like on Huron St. or 3. Install overhead walkways on Plymouth. But mainly people think the system as it is now just doesn't work.

Penz1111

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 1:47 a.m.

I realize they cost more, but why not put in overhead crosswalks in areas like this? This section of Plymouth road is a perfect place for one because there's plenty of room for entrance ramps that ascend at a low angle that anyone can use. We live in a world with three dimensions. Why are we so intent on using only two of them?

mtlaurel

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 1:45 a.m.

there have been progressively greater numbers of student-aged individuals crossing Plymouth Rd. In addition, they are predominately foreign students. In addition, the businesses across Plymouth Rd are increasing in numbers so attract foot traffic by these students as well as vehicular traffic. There is no solution with the demographic and the busy nature of Plymouth Rd, whether it be crosswalk X, Y, or Z. I believe these foreign students think that "push the button" means OK to cross. It may or may not be the case. Supervigilance is required due to vehicular speed which is not the same speed as around Central Campus. The focus should come from traffic/city engineers and staff to build an overpass for pedestrians on foot to cross Plymouth. The volume and speed of motorists is too discrepant with the other roadway stretches around central campus, and begs for an alternative for these young foreign students on foot,and to keep the typical driver free from burdensome worry,which in itself is a driving hazard.

Jan Tripp

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 1:10 a.m.

I was detoured past the accident scene shortly apparently after the pedestrian was taken away. I am saddened to learn someone was hit today and I hope they recover fully. I'd like to see the City upgrade these crossing to the HAWK design at least for the two of the busiest crossings on Plymouth. It isn't very safe for pedestrians or drivers--I've personally seen the result of three rear-end collisions since the cross-walks were installed. At least fewer pedestrians getting hit. At the time it was reported there were about 8 rear-end collisions along Plymouth but nobody was keeping track. I wonder what the count is up to now? In a bit of irony, when you press the cross-walk button, a little voice reminds you that cars may not stop.

evenyoubrutus

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:51 a.m.

Well I am glad that Ann Arbor city planners went ahead and made our city safer by putting in those crosswalks.

DMBE

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:44 a.m.

It doesn't matter if we think people should notice the crosswalk. Obviously they have the right of way. But considering these accidents have been happening something must be changed. I don't think it's easy to notice a pedestrian waiting to cross, and I don't use a cell phone or other distractions while driving. And the consequences are too severe, for at least 2 people, to not make changes on busy streets.

PittsfieldTwp

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:43 a.m.

We can argue all day about what type of lights these are and whether or not its the drivers fault or not. Here's the bottom line: The system doesn't work. Get rid of those extra crosswalks. People in the crosswalk are getting hit, and people also continually cross Plymouth in the areas without a crosswalk.

jpud

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:35 a.m.

Red light stop, green light go. What is so complicated about that? People wandering into traffic thinking they are protected by a blinking yellow light is not a good system. We need to invest in pedestrian bridges over fuller road and Plymouth road. No need to stop traffic. We have two bridges over Washtenaw, let's get with the program here and make this a place where pedestrians and cyclists thrive.

Timber

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:35 a.m.

I pray this pedestrian recovers fully. Prayers also to the driver - striking anyone is a memory they will live with forever. I sentiments echo what others have mentioned. While these pedestrian crossing lights are well intentioned - they give a false (and misplaced) sense of safety to the person trying to cross these busy roads. I've watched so many people hit the button and immediately step out into the roadway - traffic be damned. People MUST use common sense and not even step into the roadway until they see that ALL 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC HAVE COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. Personally I tell my family to take the time to walk the extra block or 2 to the next intersection with a real traffic signal to cross a street as busy as Plymouth Rd is. Instead of spending more $$ on installing more of these these "warning lights" - put the money to building pedestrian overpasses when the distance between true intersections with traffic signals is greater than 2 blocks.

JRW

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:26 a.m.

One major problem with these strobe light crosswalks is that they start up when cars are close to them traveling at 40-45 mph. There is no way to stop when the car is almost on top of the crosswalk and the lights start flashing. Very dangerous. This does not appear to be what happened in this case based on the article above, but these strobe lights mean drivers are to stop immediately and that can be a dangerous situation with cars traveling 40mph along 4 lanes of heavy traffic. Jumping on the brakes can create other problems, such as potential rear end collisions. So some cars go through these crosswalks with lights flashing and others stop. Very confusing and potentially dangerous.

BHarding

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:23 a.m.

Cars and pedestrians, Look both ways before you cross the street. Stopping distance for a car traveling 35 mph is at least 100 feet. Assuming the driver is watching the road, but I wouldn't assume anything.

Lynn Liston

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:17 a.m.

I am saddened that a pedestrian was hit in the crosswalk, but not surprised. Just yesterday evening I stopped for the flashing lights and the car in the lane next to me did not stop. Fortunately, the pedestrian was wisely waiting for all traffic to stop crossing. I agree with the comments about those mid-block crossings- there are stoplights a short block away from each so why put crossings so close? Pedestrians would have to walk two short blocks which is no different than walking to/from a bus stop.

JRW

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:15 a.m.

Very unfortunate incident for all involved. I will say that those hawk crossings can be confusing. Sometimes they are flashing and no one is in the crosswalk, either they changed their mind or they already crossed. Some cars zoom through and some stop when lights are flashing even if no one is in the walk. Some cars do not stop completely when someone is in the crosswalk. Very dangerous all around. There needs to be more awareness of what the rules are for these crosswalks. Are cars supposed to stop if the lights are flashing and no one is in the crosswalk? It's also hard to see pedestrians on very busy Plymouth Rd. My wife and I hope the injured pedestrian has a full recovery.

Chuck Saltpeter

Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 12:07 a.m.

I was crossing at the new and improved crosswalk on E Huron and Thayer last week and a car stopped for me, as I started to enter the road a Washtenaw County Sheriff's car blew by in the next lane. The AnnArbor.com headline flashed before my eyes.

rsa221

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 11:46 p.m.

Seconding a pedestrian bridge or two, our taxes are sky high so our city should be able to afford it if spending on less urgent/less necessary projects is curtailed. And if we supposedly have enough money to pay train station consultants, we should have enough for something that would hopefully prevent further tragedy.

silverjeep

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 11:44 p.m.

There are a lot of problems with this system. Some drivers won't stop for the flashers even if the car in the next lane has stopped. Not all people crossing at the walk activate the flashers. Bike riders seem to do this the most. I have never seen a bike rider start the flashers. They rarely slow down before entering the crossing. I hope this person is all right. I don't think he/she will be the last.

Nicholas Urfe

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 11:41 p.m.

Why isn't there police enforcement present on that problem stretch of road every single day? Ticket violators, again and again.

MichU

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 11:23 p.m.

Maybe Ann Arbor should build the pedestrian bridges if there aren't enough safe places to actually cross a BUSY road.

leezee

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 11:06 p.m.

I am not a fan of crosswalks, but I do like the flashing light crosswalks very much. I live in this area, so they really come in handy as a driver at night. That being said, as a pedestrian, I would never cross until it was completely clear or all traffic had stopped. Just pushing the button does not ensure that.

Nicholas Urfe

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 11:03 p.m.

"One witness said the lights had been flashing at the intersection for at least 30 seconds before the crash. The witness told AnnArbor.com she was driving behind the Cavalier and had a clear view of the crash. The Cavalier only braked after hitting the woman, who appeared to be about student age, according to the witness." How bright and how long must the crosswalk lights flash? How many signs must there be? What does it take to get more enforcement of drivers who do not stop at crosswalks?

Skyjockey43

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 10:51 p.m.

Again, crosswalk ordinances, flashing lights, additional signage, and educational endeavors will do NOTHING to prevent injury when a 2,000 pound vehicle moving at 45 mph hits you. You can argue with me all day long about who is at fault legally speaking, but the end result is always the same, someone gets seriously hurt or killed. Pedestrians MUST take appropriate actions to ensure their own safety. Until the city of Ann Arbor addresses pedestrian responsibility for safe road crossings, these types of injury accidents will continue unabated.

EyeHeartA2

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 10:47 p.m.

Sad, and totally predictable. This very problem was called out when these signals were first installed. I have pressed the button and watched no fewer than 8 cars fly by. Some were as far as a quarter mile away and just didn't feel like stopping. I don't cross until BOTH lanes are blocked by stopped cars.

G. Orwell

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 10:43 p.m.

Please get rid of these ridiculous mid block crosswalks. They give pedestrian unwarranted sense of confidence and causes confusion for all. I learned how to cross streets when I was a child by looking both ways and being very cautious. Never been hit by a car. 4,000 - 6,000 pound speeding cars should have the right of way. This agenda to coerce more people to walk, ride bikes and buses is getting out of hand.

G. Orwell

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 10:29 p.m.

I was strongly opposed to this crosswalk or more appropriately labeled the "deathwalk" because most cars are traveling at 40-50 mph, four lanes and there is a bend in the road. Whoever made the decision to install this crosswalk at this location needs to take responsibility for what has happened today. Don't people have any common sense these days? It must be something in the water.

Sweet Life

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 10:29 p.m.

Very sad. I hope the pedestrian recovers. I drive, bike, or walk along this stretch of Plymouth almost every day. The mid-block crossings are a necessity here. Signaled intersections are relatively far apart. With so many people (mostly students) walking from apartments on the north side of Plymouth to school or from apartments on the south side to shop or worship, you will always have people crossing between the lights. Better to have well marked crosswalks (they are very hard to miss) than nothing at all. However, the city really needs to make the additional investment in real HAWK lights - red flashing lights that everyone should recognize as "Stop", rather than the flashing white lights they have now. That said - I was taught to take my foot off the gas and be extra vigilant as I approached any cross walk. There is no excuse for missing the existing signals.

Vivienne Armentrout

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 10:27 p.m.

I have been on Plymouth when the lights started to flash. It is obvious, even startling. Any driver who is not going too fast or is distracted should see it. We have a lot of impatient and even angry drivers in this town. But I reject the idea that the way to cure the problem is to make it impossible for pedestrians to cross except at signalized intersections. They are too far apart. We need to have some serious traffic enforcement on Plymouth. Perhaps we will finally be allowed to have enough police officers to enforce some traffic ordinances. (Yes, I'm referring to the recent elections.)

Charlie Winter

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 10:10 p.m.

This crosswalk in NOT a HAWK crosswalk. There is no red light to signal drivers to stop. There are only small flashing amber lights high over the road.

notnecessary

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 10 p.m.

Unfortunate situation for everyone involved here, unfortunately mid-block crosswalks are just a bad idea and will continue to be a bad idea as people get into accident after accident in these intersections. As part of my job I drive this stretch as often as 20 times per day and have seen countless close encounters and quite a few accidents in addition to those posted on here. In my opinion the pedestrian traffic needs to be directed to either the Traverwood/Plymouth intersection or the Murfin/Plymouth intersection. Perhaps another full stop light near Willowtree for those getting off the bus in the afternoons, but as it stands there are far too many midblock crosswalks on this stretch, too many overly confident pedestrians, and too many drivers that are confused by the traffic controls (especially those from out of town).

RUKiddingMe

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 9:59 p.m.

I have seen what YpsiYapper mentions multiple times as well. However, these flashing lights do nothing when people are looking at their phone while driving. I am completely dismayed by all the phone staring I see by drivers and pedestrians these days. Someone needs to beep to get going at a green light at more than 1/2 the red lights I'm at every day. I constantly see drivers stray into the bike lane also; because of this, I never use the bike lane, only the sidewalk. And I know that if I actually knew what was being texted or looked at, I'd be even more dismayed. I sure wish all these people would just get where they're going, THEN see where their buddy's at, or what mood someone changed to on facebook or whatever.

YpsiYapper

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 9:52 p.m.

I have witnessed the following happen "numerous" times at all of these strobe light crossings : The pedestrian hits the button to activate the light, immediately walks in to the roadway without even looking to see what is coming. A vehicle comes to a screeching halt in the right lane and the pedestrian continues walking without realizing the vehicle approaching in the left lane is barreling down on them and does not see them coming out from in front of the already stopped car. Another screeching halt and a near hit. My advice to both pedestrians and drivers is pay attention especially in the dark. Slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching these crosswalks if you are driving, and if you are the pedestrian I promise no matter how much right of way you have, the vehicle that strikes you will be the winner in the challenge. Hit the button and make sure everyone stops before walking in to the road. Trust me, the few hundred thousand dollars you settle for will not be worth the mangled body you may wind up with. I am sure you have a loving family somewhere and no matter how much money is awarded they can not replace you with it.

Craig Lounsbury

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 9:41 p.m.

Prayers that the victim recovers completely. In my personal walking experience I don't ever like to depend on a car to see me. I try to always cross either at a red full traffic signal or wait till I have a big enough opening that I can cross without needing a car to slow down or stop for me. Not easy on a busy road at or near rush hour.

MichiganPundit

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 9:41 p.m.

@Kyle - In the sentence that begins "Witnesses who were in a white Ford Edge said an green Chevrolet Cavalier", you have used the wrong article. It should be "a green Chevrolet Cavalier", not "an".

1bit

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 9:28 p.m.

Technically, these aren't HAWK signals, right? They have been very noticeable (as a driver) to me, though. This is a very tragic accident and hopefully the injured pedestrian makes a full recovery.

Jazz_Fan

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 9:26 p.m.

Not sure these are really "HAWK" signals. I thought the only HAWK in Ann Arbor was on Huron by the YMCA. The City said installing more was too expensive, if I recall correctly. The ones on Plymouth are just the flashing strobe light signals. Hope the person that was hit will be ok.

justcurious

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 9:20 p.m.

This is a terrible thing and I certainly hope this woman can recover from it. The Hawk signals seem to work as far as I can tell. None of us know what happened here yet though so speculation is just that - speculation.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 8:47 p.m.

How terrible for everyone involved. I hope the pedestrian has a speedy and full recovery.

monroe c

Wed, Aug 7, 2013 : 7:55 p.m.

It happened in the HAWK crosswalk. The car that hit her had a lot of damage to the bumper, hood and windshield. She was being loaded onto the gurney when I passed the scene, and she appeared to be unconscious. I hope she survives and recovers. Slow down and stay alert everyone.