MORE than 30 crosswalks and eight traffic lights need remarking while signs and 25 pedestrian cross walk and signs need to be installed at 18 different areas on Saipan, according to a recent island-wide survey conducted by the Department of Public Safety.
The report would be used by DPS’s Task Force on Pedestrian Crossing which will review existing pedestrian walkways on public roads and come up with recommendations to augment safety for school children.
The areas where cross walks and traffic lights either need to be maintained, repaired or erected are Koblerville, As Perdido/As Lito, Fina Sisu, Dandan/San Vicente, Chalan Laulau, Gualo Rai, Garapan, Puerto Rico, Sadog Tasi, Capitol Hill/Denni, Kagman, San Antonio, Chalan Piao, Chalan Kanoa, Susupe, San Jose, Chalan Laulau/Illiyang and Garapan.
The creation of the task force was triggered by the fatal vehicular incident last January in front of 99 Cents Store in Garapan involving a student on his way to a bus stop.
“This addresses a major concern…as numerous situations encountered by school buses loaded with students having to suddenly yield because of erratic behaviors of employees when crossing the street,” said Jess Sanchez, the Public School System’s administrative services officer, in a recent report based on his meeting with the task force.
According to Sanchez, school buses are not equipped with seating restraints.
Sanchez said that the task force had decided to initially propose a “crossing guard” to man the pedestrian walkways in front of 99 Cents Store in Garapan as the purchase of safety signs, road reflectors, traffic lights and paintings “may take some time to obtain” due to budget constraints.
Aside from ensuring the safety of students, Sanchez said the task force will also “identify and discuss” other pedestrian areas particularly those established for the convenience of guest workers fronting garment factories.”
Police Capt. Nicolas D. Leon Guerrero said road accidents and fatalities usually happen due to the following reasons:
• A vehicle would stop to allow pedestrians to cross the road. However, this usually “blind” other drivers while other pedestrians do not wait for all vehicles to stop at all lanes before crossing.
• Pedestrians would walk on the wrong side of the highway instead of facing traffic which will increase their perception and reaction time to avoid the vehicle approaching them.
• Crossing highways on a marked crosswalk zone but not waiting for all vehicles to stop.
• Poor lighting condition at some of the prime locations where pedestrians cross the highways on either marked or unmarked crosswalks.
• Bicyclists are often similar to pedestrian crashes. They should understand that if vehicles are operated on highways where there is bicycle path, then all traffic rules and vehicle laws apply.
• Serious head injuries happen because motorists do not wear safety helmets.
