Crosswalk Presentation Outline

Presentation Outline- Comm 273-Hannah Hepworth

I.               Problem: Rexburg crosswalks are bottom line- scary!  Pedestrians and drivers have no idea who needs to go next on the crosswalks, and drivers speed past the endless lines of pedestrians and hit them on the crosswalks, that result in fatalities and deaths.

a.    Statistic of deaths over the past few years in Rexburg are 4 deaths in 4 years (byuicomm.net)

b.    There have been many attempts at solutions in the past.

                                               i.     Share the road program- City of Rexburg put out a 10-step safety plan so people would be more aware of the importance of traffic and pedestrian safety. (byui.edu

1.    As part of the “Share the Road” program, at 2^nd W and 3^rd South a HAWK, also known as a pedestrian activated traffic light, was put in so people can cross the street safely. (High Intensity Activated Crosswalk)

a.    This cost the city $150,000!

b.    And many are confused by the sign as there is no green signal, just red and yellow, so drivers don’t know the appropriate time to “Go” again.

c.     Signal alone cost $85,000! (http://apps.itd.idaho.gov/apps/MediaManagerViewer/NewsClipping/Story.aspx?ID=45053&Type=NewsClipping)

                                             ii.     The “no texting at crosswalk” signs have been put in earlier this month. There is a 100.00 fine if you are caught texting while at a crosswalk, pedestrian or driver.

                                            iii.     New public safety officers in Rexburg as of April 2011 that will hand out pamphlets along the crosswalks and give students reflective stickers to wear while crossing the street. (Who is really going to wear a reflective sticker?!)

http://www.localnews8.com/news/27667144/detail.html

II.              REAL Solution: The city of Rexburg needs to put in traffic lights on the corners by the school (4 way stop by Stadium and by Teriyaki express), so we have a designated time of when pedestrians need to cross, and when drivers can drive. It is the only way to solve this ongoing problem. Flashing lights and orange cones aren’t cutting it anymore.

a.    Right now there are only a few places around campus that have designated “pedestrian crossing points”, like the HAWK sign by Taco Time and the one by the snow. We need BOTH pedestrian crossings and traffic lights, because drivers still want to speed along even if pedestrians are crossing the street.

b.    Need to get the city interested in this idea, and get BYU Idaho students motivated enough and interested in it. (The point of my presentation).