Dave Murray: No excuses - crossing safety is key

Emergency services, including police and ambulance staff, attend a crash at the Otaika Shops in Whangarei where a 10-year-old boy on a pedestrian crossing was hit by a car.

I was shocked and sickened to read of the pedestrian/vehicle accident, at the Otaika crossing.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the young boy and his family having to endure the pain and anxiety of such an event, especially just prior to Christmas.

While I am obviously not fully aware of the sequence of events which led to the accident, I am in no doubt that, had NZTA followed my recommendation, to install four Belisha beacons at the crossing, and not rely on the much reduced visual impact of the circular red discs, the presence of the crossing would be far greater, even in daylight.

Belisha beacons are subconsciously recognised by drivers as marking the presence of a crossing.

It is impossible to say if the use of beacons may have avoided the accident.

However, in my opinion, the red discs are a cheapskate, pathetic cop-out for not doing the job properly.

I am totally aware of the maintenance challenges, of keeping beacons operational, but that is absolutely no excuse for not delineating the crossing, to the maximum level possible.

Excuses relating to the lamp life don't wash, robust bulbs and flasher units are available.

Human factors, such as driver distraction and/or excess speed, pedestrian complacency, in expecting cars to stop, can lead to accidents at crossings, but it is the pedestrian who cops the brunt of the impact.

An overbridge is not a viable alternative. Mobility access rules require long wheelchair-friendly ramps, either side of the crossing.

A bridge would also have to be fully caged to prevent missiles being hurled at traffic beneath.

Pedestrian traffic signals may be an answer, but unless there is a reasonably constant pedestrian demand, drivers become used to not having to stop and may not respond when there is a red signal.

Overhead signals would be a must at such a crossing.

Alternatively flashing dual amber lights, activated by a pedestrian button, are an effective warning to drivers, but can again lead to pedestrian compliancy.

I had a guest editorial published 26 months ago, which ended by asking "How much is a child's life worth?" I don't accept excuses about financial allocations, budgets and scheduling of improvements.

How quickly would these improvements have been introduced if the crossing was in a higher socioeconomic area, such as Maunu Rd?

- Dave Murray is a retired roading, drainage and traffic engineer, and former traffic management consultant to government departments and local bodies.