By Debby Ekness

Jaywalking could cost you your life.  At the very least, it should cost you a ticket.  The Renton Highland’s commute on Thursday, May 2, came to a screaming halt when two minors were struck by a vehicle while jaywalking on North Fourth Street around the 3700 block. I know because I was in that back-up with three other kids in the car with me.  We knew it was bad as we saw a fire truck, ambulances and police cars rush to the scene with lights blazing, leaving the commuting mass in the lurch.

Why did this happen and how can it be prevented?  I can only guess, since I don’t know the kids involved.  I would say that it’s quicker to cross in the middle of the block, since the two closest crosswalks are an equal, inconvenient distance from the accident. They were probably in a hurry, there was no police deterrent immediately around to issue a ticket for jaywalking, and the bus stop was located on either side right there.

I know there have been other similar accidents and close calls just like this one on the same stretch of road.  I pass by this way every day to and from my home.  I find myself trying to out-guess some of the potential jaywalkers. Do I slow down and make way? Do I tap on my horn to let them know it’s not safe to cross here?  Or do I do nothing, and wait for another injury, or perhaps a death, caused by this and hope that something will be done about it?  How many more accidents will occur before action is taken?

Solutions could be one of several.  I’ll list a few.  First, ELIMINATE the bus stops on either side of the street there.  I know it’s a convenient location being adjacent to many apartments and places of business, but eliminating the bus stop would force the next stop to be located just after the next stop light traveling either way.  And, guess what, there is a CROSSWALK right next to the bus stop there.

Solution number two:  have unscheduled police officers show up and issue tickets for jaywalking. Jaywalking is illegal and for a good reason.  It’s not safe.  Especially when there are four traveling lanes and one turn lane.  Jaywalking is a ticket-able offense. But if it is not enforced, the law will not be followed.  This goes for adults as well as minors.  Adults pushing a stroller while jaywalking should also be issued a ticket for endangering a minor’s life.

My third and final (and most expensive) solution would be to install either a crosswalk with yellow blinking lights overhead, or to construct a pedestrian overpass for that area.

While jaywalking could be considered a very innocent violation of the law, that does not excuse it. Traffic and safety laws are made with our well-being in mind. If these laws are not followed, you might get away with it.  Or, you might get a ticket.  Worse, it could take your life. I hope the two youths involved have a full recovery. Hopefully, this reminder will save someone else’s life.

Debby Ekness lives in Renton.