Crosswalk Safety- it's a two way street!

May is safety awareness month for walkers. In the last 12 months 16 pedestrians were hit by cars in Ridgewood, one of them a fatality, and another a near fatality with a miraculous recovery. Many of the pedestrians were hit by cars while they were in the crosswalk.

The kids made signs to convey the message- please slow down!

A big crowd of walkers met at the square to walk through town

a few words were spoken by the organizers

and they led the group, escorted by Officer Mark Butler

down Ridgewood Avenue

lots of kids

At the corner of Ridgewood Avenue and South Maple Avenue, Officer Butler paused the group at the memorial to Dan DeVries, the young man who was killed crossing at this intersection last Mother's Day. A profound and sad minute of silence was observed for Dan and his family.

The walkers came from all sides of town- residents who want to be safe, with special concern for our children wherever they walk.

Officer Butler gave a lesson on which lights to watch before crossings. Obey the Walk and Don't Walk signals.

and most importantly, don't assume drivers see you. Be a defensive walker.

Dennis Martin thanks the walkers on behalf of Maureen O'Connor Martin.

Maureen is home recovering miraculously from her serious injuries after being struck last month in the crosswalk.

Another pedestrian who was recently struck by a car, walked today in support of walkers safety.

Be safe! Make eye contact with cars, even if you are in the crosswalk.

If you are a driver, be prepared to stop instantaneously. With so many pedestrians crossing, it's up to the driver to anticipate that they will be stepping out into the street.