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Chancellor expresses university concerns to city
Telfer requests more measures for student, walker safety
Jerica Harvey
Issue date: 9/3/08 Section: News
Chancellor Richard Telfer addressed the Whitewater Common Council Tuesday about the university's concern for student safety on the Whiton and Main intersection.
A car hit UW-Whitewater graduate, Mike Chaloupka, while he was in the intersection crosswalk on Aug. 26.
"I am here to express a concern with the safety of the crosswalk at Whiton and Main streets that was highlighted by Mike being struck by a car while crossing the intersection," Telfer said. "I applaud the city for installing the lighted pedestrian signs, but I am not sure they are sufficient."
The Whitewater Police Department has taken precautionary measures by putting up pedestrian signs the morning after the accident happened, warning students they found jaywalking and even patrolling some campus crossings.
The police department also released a statement asking students to be careful when crossing any streets, and to use the trombone-armed signs that light up when walkers press a button before using a crosswalk.
Telfer pointed out that while police reports stated no lighted sign was activated during the accident, there was actually no activating button at the crosswalk he was in.
He said even though the yellow flashing lights may create awareness of pedestrian presence, they do not necessarily require drivers to stop.
Telfer suggested the city should either prohibit left turns at the intersection to lessen confusion for drivers, or install traffic lights to better control traffic.
"I don't have the answer," he said. "I've suggested some, but I'm pleased the council is taking this up."
Whitewater Police Chief James Coan said this has been the first pedestrian accident all year.
"All of these accidents involving pedestrians are a result of failure to yield on either the driver or the pedestrian," Coan said during the meeting.
Common Council President Patrick Singer also suggested having a pedestrian refuge in between the four lanes of traffic so crosswalkers could cross two lanes at a time.
City Manager Kevin Brunner said the city would begin working diligently to pull together suggestions for a solution and cost quotes for the next council meeting, Sept. 9.
"Recently, lighted signs were installed, but we want to continue to look at ways to improve the safety at all crosswalks," Brunner said.
Telfer said he had talked with Chaploupka's mother, and he is still in critical condition but has recently been making improvements.
A car hit UW-Whitewater graduate, Mike Chaloupka, while he was in the intersection crosswalk on Aug. 26.
"I am here to express a concern with the safety of the crosswalk at Whiton and Main streets that was highlighted by Mike being struck by a car while crossing the intersection," Telfer said. "I applaud the city for installing the lighted pedestrian signs, but I am not sure they are sufficient."
The Whitewater Police Department has taken precautionary measures by putting up pedestrian signs the morning after the accident happened, warning students they found jaywalking and even patrolling some campus crossings.
The police department also released a statement asking students to be careful when crossing any streets, and to use the trombone-armed signs that light up when walkers press a button before using a crosswalk.
Telfer pointed out that while police reports stated no lighted sign was activated during the accident, there was actually no activating button at the crosswalk he was in.
He said even though the yellow flashing lights may create awareness of pedestrian presence, they do not necessarily require drivers to stop.
Telfer suggested the city should either prohibit left turns at the intersection to lessen confusion for drivers, or install traffic lights to better control traffic.
"I don't have the answer," he said. "I've suggested some, but I'm pleased the council is taking this up."
Whitewater Police Chief James Coan said this has been the first pedestrian accident all year.
"All of these accidents involving pedestrians are a result of failure to yield on either the driver or the pedestrian," Coan said during the meeting.
Common Council President Patrick Singer also suggested having a pedestrian refuge in between the four lanes of traffic so crosswalkers could cross two lanes at a time.
City Manager Kevin Brunner said the city would begin working diligently to pull together suggestions for a solution and cost quotes for the next council meeting, Sept. 9.
"Recently, lighted signs were installed, but we want to continue to look at ways to improve the safety at all crosswalks," Brunner said.
Telfer said he had talked with Chaploupka's mother, and he is still in critical condition but has recently been making improvements.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
ross
posted 9/06/08 @ 4:53 AM CST
Telfer is on the case!
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