Description
I have reported problems with vehicles failing to yield to pedestrians at this intersection before -- even when the pedestrian lights are flashing. Perhaps the system needs to be upgraded to the brighter LED system?
At approximately 3:15 p.m. today, a young woman was attempting to cross the southern leg of this intersection heading from east to west. She had stepped off the curb and the lights were flashing. Several vehicles did not yield, one of them was a black and white APD patrol car. It did not have its lights or siren on. The patrol car continued south on Webster and the woman crossed the street.
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5 Comments
City of Alameda (Verified Official)
Acknowledged Florence Lopez (Registered User)
Thank you for your notification. Your message has been forwarded to our Traffic Division.
Alameda Police Department
Lieutenant DeRespini (Verified Official)
Two things:
1. Did the pedestrian step into the crosswalk when the other vehicle was minimally 125 feet away? The flashing lights are not a "King's X" all vehicle traffic must stop. The pedestrian has a responsibility to allow for yield time and distance.
2. Every intersection in town experiences pedestrian violations. Drivers are more distracted, going faster, and less courteous than ever. While I cannot speak to the brightness of LEDs, I will tell you it is likely irrelevant. Sporadic violators will exist as long as human beings are given the privilege to drive. APD had been around for almost 150 years and people are still driving in violation of the law. You will never experience a traffic scenario with DMV driving instructor level of performance.
If you'd like to formally complain about what you believe is inappropriate behavior by a marked APD unit, this is not the medium. Please call the non-emergency number and they will direct you to the appropriate person.
gerstle (Registered User)
I am reporting what I observed.
The lights at Webster and Taylor are relatively faint. I have observed much better compliance at intersections with the newer rapid fire beacons, such as the one installed at Central and Sixth.
The pedestrian had stepped off the curb. The lights were flashing. Vehicles were not stopping for the pedestrian. The police car followed the other traffic through the intersection. As I have reported before, failure to yield to pedestrians at this intersection is a common occurrence.
From what I have observed at other intersections, upgrading the crossing system to the new lights would help. All three of the intersections on Webster Street without signals could probably benefit from the system or a traffic light.
I hope that my report is well received and taken to heart.
gerstle (Registered User)