Flashing lights needed

I have noticed crosswalks all around the streets of Spokane that have only white painted lines on the asphalt to depict “crosswalk” (no flashing light or alert other than the person standing there) for pedestrians. Many, like on Division Street, are only painted lines to alert all lanes that a pedestrian might be requesting safe crossing.

Adding confusion, many crosswalks are located at the same spot as the bus stop, causing drivers to not know if the person is trying to cross the street or is waiting for a bus. In travels throughout California, I noticed many crosswalk flashing lights to alert and stop traffic to allow a pedestrian to cross safely. (The type the pedestrian pushes the pole button to activate, then crosses safely.)

I have witnessed accidents more than once where one of three lanes stopped, prompting the pedestrian to cross. They are almost killed by the vehicles in the other two lanes, which can cause rear-end collisions as well.

My bet is there have been many accidents, if not fatalities, related to this easy-to-fix, serious problem. How about flashing indicator lights for this unsafe and life-threatening situation?

Dick McDougall

Spokane