September 21, 2022

Highly Visible Pedestrian Crosswalk Needed at Jefferson and Wiggins

To the Editor:

I agree completely with my Jefferson Road neighbor, Brenda Battat, who pointed out the need for crosswalk markings at the busy intersection of Jefferson Road and Wiggins Street in the September 14 Town Topics Mailbox.

This T intersection is heavily utilized by pedestrians. Many are students wearing earphones and using phones. These devices may prevent pedestrians from hearing approaching automobiles. In 2019, Science News suggested an association between distraction by phone usage while walking and a recent tripling of pedestrian injuries.

Pedestrian distraction by technology, in an area heavily traveled by young people, should make the case for creating a highly visible, marked pedestrian crosswalk at Jefferson and Wiggins.

Elizabeth Nicholas
Jefferson Road