Dear Joe,
This is regarding the 2 people hit tonight at the civic center, 1 person while trying to cross the street to go into the civic center to see Annie and 1 person while everyone was leaving the civic center. ALL from the parking lot that the wonderful wicomico county has just bought. My question is why can they close off that whole section of the road when there is a dog show but cannot have someone there for a half hour or so to help with people crossing the roads to get to or from there functions?!?!?!?! Maybe it is because they have spent any extra money they might have had to buy that stupid parking lot.
Thanks,
Michelle
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
60 comments:
The City/County need to construct a tunnel under the roadway so that people can safely pass without crossing the roadway. SU has one that crosses Rt 13 and it is only fair for the people of Wicomico to have one to.
i would expect to see more people hit now that we are buying the lot
I am quite sure that one of the Shore Transit shuttle buses could be made available to transport some of the attendees across the street.
I have noticed that there are quite a few of these running around town empty - (Purple, Green, Yellow Routes) - espeically on weekends.
Why can't the State have one of their personel - orange P/U truck -help to police the traffic like the ones issued at the Stadium. I don't see why Wicomico County taxpayers have to foot the bill because aren't most of these people out-of-towners?
I say we need a shuttle bus, 3 or 4 police officers, a state truck, several sheriffs, a tunnel, and possible a couple of state police officers to service that parking lot. The more the merrier.
Why can these dumb@$$es look when they cross the street.. christ, its something you are taught from the time you are able to walk. why in the hell would you think its the state, city or county's, responsibilty you cant cross the street. if you arent smart enough to look when you cross the street, then i suggest you not do it.
The second person to be hit was a hit and run and not one word of this on the news. Is this something else the police are covering up? Are they even going to attempt to look for this driver? Were they drunk or just don't care what they have done? Guess the person laying on the road and fighting for their life will never know.
Thanks Michele, I was wondering why all the firetrucks were there. The place was packed.
Here's a "quick fix for Rick" --
get his pal Ireton to tell the SFD to have ambulances and EMT's on the scene during big events.
Let's provide jet service for flights every 2 minutes to get people across the street while we're at it.
PEOPLE! THINK!
Four wooden traffic barriers closing off that section of the street does the job and could actually be put up and taken down by Civic Center personnel.
DUH!
Whenever there is an event at the civic center, I always see people dart out in front of cars- usually a large group has gone ahead, and a lone straggler comes dashing along after the larger group is across. I think a simple cross-walk could resolve the issue- then cars would know where people would be crossing. Of course, the cross-walks in front of Bennett (and the crossing guard) are a total waste of money- I don't see any kids use them- they'd rather dash in front of cars at random (same at Parkside too). And at Bennett, I always see kids dash across the street, walk a bit, and then go right back towards the direction of home. I bet if truancy officers were out there they could bust some kids!
This is a county road, not a state road, the county should have personell out there. How are we going to pay for a tunnel? Do you realize these things aren't free.
Unbelievable! seeing 2 people hit by a car in 1 night - 1 being a child. Has anyone heard if they are ok. The child was hit by a car that was going very fast. Did not see the child at all. It was dark and raining. I guess the Gary M. can afford law suits but can not afford to hire an officer to atleast sit on Civic Ave. with there lights on while people try to cross the road. A road which we can close for dogs, but not people.
why cannot ppl be more responsible for there own well being instead of blaming all problems in life on someone or something else. my advise buy some eyeglasses, clean the wax out of your ears and be cautious and responsible to the surroundings around you aznd quit playing the blame game
Why can't people look both ways before crossing the street? Seriously you want the city/county to construct a tunnel - at what cost? - because people can't look both ways? Or provide a shuttle? To cross a street? OMG - you people are incredible! Complain about the cost of the parking lot then want to spend money to build tunnels or provide transportation so people can continue to be clueless? Really?
For years people have walked across the street in that same location - with out a problem I might add. If something has to happen then the least expensive alternative would be a light - oh wait, isn't there one there now? Yep! Cross at the light people!
OMG people! I am sorry for the people that were struck while crossing the road. Even though the vehicle is at fault when they hit a pedestrian I feel the pedestrian has to be aware of on coming cars. In NYC they don't close the street in front of Madison Square Gardens for the people staying at the Hotel PA or the New Yorker so they can safely cross the street. My question also is, was the parking lot at the civic center full for a show of Annie? Why was it even necessary to park across the street? Again I do feel for the people that were struck. But when a 100 - 150 pound persons plays chicken with a 3000 - 8000 pound vehicle, my money would be on the vehicle!
If people would take their time and look both ways, maybe they wouldn't get hit. Duh!
this was awful...i seen the one with the person heading in...when we left we seen there were more trucks and stuff outside we thought they were blocking the road like they should have done 1st. they need some lights out the side there too....its so dark the motorist cant see anyone until its to late.i definatley agree that if they can lock this for a dog show they should e able to do something for all the functions. this was awful....i hope these people are ok. Two in one night come on now something has to be done right away
Everyone's right, there are a lot of alternatives to make it safer for pedestrians to get from the parking lot to the civic center but only one idea is cost free. If those prima donna fools running around with their groomed mutts can get the road closed to accomodate them the rest of us should have the same accomodations.
Everyone should question why this bunch of out-of-towners deserve more safety than our own citizens.
I agree with the folks that are saying pay attention and be cautious and responsible. asking to have the street blocked off is ridiculous. its a public street and there are rules for traffic for both pedestrians and cars. if everyone were following them, or even knew what they were, we would have a lot less problems.
I don't see what the big deal is to block the street off so that people can safely cross. It's inexpensive, more convenient and just makes a lot of sense. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this one out.
Nope, you're going to see the County dump hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new street light at the intersection. You wait and see.
I hope the people who got hit are ok and I hope they catch the hit and run driver. That's a shame this had to happen.
Anonymous 10:12 - Did I miss something ? Hit and Run ,were does it say that?
hey 9:03 you say there is a light there now! where? dont recall a light being near that area except at beaglin park and glen...are you seeing something we're not....
Lumber, screws, paint, reflective tape for 4 twelve foot traffic barriers = $152.00.
Labor = $450.00.
Event employees carry them out to the street during arrival and event end = $0.00.
Done Deal.
Either that, or look both ways before crossing at a painted crosswalk.
I have the Perfect Solution! Why can't the people sitting in our jail waiting for sentencing dig those holes and tunnels for their food and roof over their head. Simple solution. Now, no smart comments on it, as it really is the way things should be done to improve life.
underground tunnels, police escorts, how about looking both ways before you cross the damn road?
1. This is not yet an official parking lot for the civic center.
2. Use common sense, if a child was hit, where were the guardians?
3. I have always been able to park in the civic center lot at any event. If you choose to park elsewhere, that is the risk you take. Perhaps the people that hit the pedestrians should sue THEM for duress and trauma related to the accident. After all THEY are the ones responsible for crossing in the middle of the road and not paying attention. Pedestrians only have the right of way in crosswalks and on sidewalks, when the light is green, etc.
Sometimes I think I'm living among the Beverly Hillbillies.
No sooner than a parking lot is bought - then 8:03 posting suggest a tunnel to be constructed under Glen Avenue. If the parking lot is 1.5 million and add another million for improvements - (blacktopping and lights) - you can easily add another 2 or 3 million for a tunnel project.
I thought the County was suppose to be broke? I truly question the conventional wisdom of our residency.
9:07 wrote: "Even though the vehicle is at fault when they hit a pedestrian"
I assume you mean the "driver" (not the vehicle). But that's not always true. How can it be the driver's fault if he is obeying the law and someone darts out in front of his car? I'm not saying that happened in these cases, but your blanket statement is incorrect.
I need to cross the county road in front of my home. Will someone please send someone to block it offf for me.
Just another example of spend spend spend without responsibility and proper planning. Just remeber who elected these irresponsible individuals. The County is responsible for this type of incident and is liable in a lawsuit. Their actions are a mitigating cause of such incidents occuring. Lack of traffic control, lighting, crosswalks with flashing lights etc.. What has the County Council, Rick P. and Gary M. have to say now?
Responding to 11:47 Post
I couldn't agree with you more.
And I might add that the way I see this County being run - it would not surprise me to see them blacktop the parking lot first - then turn around and tear it up to install the tunnel.
I'm serious folks - that's the way things are done in Wicomico.
I can see it now -- the county builds a tunnel (at taxpayers' expense), heavy rains flood the tunnel, some idiot tries to use it anyway, the person drowns, the family sues the county for $5-million and wins. God bless America!
Facts: The second person hit was a 12 year old girl. Her mother was with her. She is ok but has really bad bruising and road rash all over her body. The car did hit her then run. Don't judge before you know the real story!!! So ready to point a finger because you have nothing better to do!!!
11:58 Why is the County responsible because your not smart enough to look both ways before crossing a street? What's wrong with you people?
it is embarrasing that our community can sit here and argue about what the county did wrong or did right and the parking lot but only about 3 out of the 30 posts are asking about the individuals well being...
it's very disappointing to see ppl arguing over a tunnel, poodles and the price of a parking lot that have absolutely nothing to do with the individuals injured. you all should be ashamed!
The intersection is quite wide when crossing from the old mall parking lot.
I don't think its completely accurate to say 'oh, just look both ways stupid'. Those with small children often take longer to cross and could be half way across when someone driving way too fast comes zipping along. If you think this way (that stupid people should have looked first), then its only fair to NOT have the barriers / protection for the kennel club, right?
I agree with others who suggested the sensible solution of wooden barriers, or possibly 1 LEO or yellow state truck with lights on to remind drivers of the increased pedestrian traffic during these events.
Yeah we need a tunnel just like for SU.
Orson Wells, while that may be an inexpensive way to do it, that way does not at all meet the traffic control requirements to close a road. If they closed it in this manner, and someone was hit, or there was a crash, the county could be sued just as easily. This is a fact, not an opinion. The guidelines that are in place, require much more in the way of signs, etc. to close a road.
If anyone else remembers, when the old mall was in operation, there was a crosswalk (still is) across civic ave from wi-hi to the old mall. Traffic volumes were even higher then. I never remember crossing guards or anyone hit there.
2:25, Why don't you personally start a fundraiser to do that. You will probably need to raise only about.....1 million dollars. How about we have a bake sale. We can sell cookies. If we make 10 cents per cookie, we will only need to sell....10 million cookies. If we get started now, we could have it built about the same time we see the change that Obama has promised. Only it will be coming from a different president.
I haven't seen anything in the news about the hit and run. It was reportedly a small red car going really fast. It's a wonder more people weren't hit. The driver didn't even slow down.
I am so glad the 12 year old girl is going to be okay. No I don't know the "real story", but if the driver of the hit'n run car was not in fault, then why didn't they stop??? Because they WERE at fault.
Here is what I think, they need to build an overhead walkway. This would be cheater and cool.
I am so glad to her the little girl is ok. My daughter and myself were walking out of the civic center when suddenly we her the SOUND of impact and a scream. We ran back in for help immediately. I can say I heard that voice and sound in my head until 1 AM. Have a heart people - I can't believe you post such cruel things when an innocent child was hit. My heart goes out to both people who were hurt.
how are you going to make an overhead walkway wheelchair accesible? Do I hear ACLU lawsuit?
This is what I think will happen.
1. County will pave the 1.5 million dollar parking lot.
2. County will have to tear up the parking lot to put in a 5 million dollar tunnel.
3. County will have to re-pave the parking lot.
4. County will have to hire a security guard for the tunnel.
5. Security guard will get hit by a hit and run.
6. Security guard will go on disability from the hit and run.
7. County will do a study on the safety of the tunnel.
8. Study will find that the tunnel is unsafe.
9. County will close the tunnel.
ppl be patient! i am sure after mumbles fineran gets his belly full of beef and dumplings tonite down to pittsville he will write some b.s. sugarcoated editorial in the daily slime. but after you read it he has said nothing at all.
this crossing area would be a good place to put a tunnel underground just like the one they built for the colledge kids to cross under the road,which I think is way better than a traffic light
5:53 The bridge will have two loooooooooooooooooong ramps.
Oh...and and one more thing... while you're blaming the pedestrians who were hit and busy pointing fingers---think about the poor bystanders, the poor children who had to witness such a thing. SHAME ON YOU!!!!!! (follow-up made by 10:09 anonymous)
I am so sorry for the victims, hope they are recovering
Easy solution here
1)Put lights in the old mall parking lot- its a crime scene waiting to happen
2)Block off the street in front of Civic Center for events. No big deal, traffic can go around this area without being inconvenienced.
Should happen for all events not just the canine convention.
For crying out loud people. Learn how to cross the street! A Tunnel?? Waste of money. If cars are coming dont cross the damn street. Dont cross half way either. Wait until you can cross completely across.
Sorry someone got hit but its their own damn fault.
BTW... didnt think you were supposed to be parking there in the 1st place, Park in the Civic center lot. Then you would noy have to cross the street to begin with. Just have lazy people who wont walk a few yards longer park where they should not be parking.
Own up people. Park in the civic center lot. Cant beleive anyone would suggest a tunnel... idiot!!
Bless you, 4:47, and all the others who were helpful when the child was hit by the hit-and-run driver. Thanks to all the people who stood in the rain willing to help, to the woman who took the 4-year-old from her mother so she could be with the 12-year-old lying on the pavement, to the woman--either a nurse or doctor--who sat at the 12-year-old's head keeping her neck straight, talking to her until the ambulance came, to the doctor who was present at the play who checked the hit-and-run victim out, to the people who called 9-1-1, to the "keeper" of the 4-year-old's bag until the grandmother could pull herself together enough to gather her things, to all you who were with us, strangers who supported us while we waited for the ambulance to come, to the individuals who pulled their cars into position as a barrier to block traffice to protect the child from another car hitting her and those with her, to all those who prayed. Just a report -- no broken bones, no disfigurements, no internal injuries, miracle after miracle. The child was released from the hospital early Saturday morning, and we are so grateful. Thank you for all the kindnesses shown. We were in shock, so I know I missed some of the thank-you's due. Know your support made a difference to us. Thank you all.
Todays parents dont teach their kids anything but selfeshness.
10:43 -- What a sad outlook. I know a lot of really good kids -- and parents. What does this have to do with safety issues at the civic center and pedestrians being hit by cars?
Why was this story not run on WBOC? Is the divorce of the Sifrits really more newsworthy? REALLY? This is shameful. I am so relieved that everyone is ok. My daughter saw the first one happen and has been traumatized all weekend. Simply closing that road temporarily would solve the problem. And to those of you blaming the pedestrians:
children + rain + dark + cars
don't be rediculous. Put yourself in the place of the victims for a second; that is if you can come down off your high horse.
I am disgusted after reading many of theses posts. My 71 year old mother in law was the first victim of HIT AND RUN on friday evening crossing to get to the Civic Center to see Annie. Fortunately she does not have any life threatning injuries and we hope that she will make a full recovery from this horrible accident.
Clearly two accidents in one night indicates a real problem with the parking situation and the necessity to cross over such a highly dangerous highway in order to get to the civic center. It is my feeling that the county and/or the state need to take action on this immediately to ensure the saftey of the public.
I only learned of the second accident today (3/17/10) after reading it on the front of the Daily Times. It is unbeleviable to me that based on the number of people reported on both scenes that there are NO leads on either driver/vehicle who commited these crimes! Maybe if this had been reported on the news the day of or following morning, a witness at the scene may have been able to provide helpful information. The scary part is that there are two people out there, still on the road who have NO REGARD for human life. It is incomprehensible to me that anyone could hit a human being with their car, and just continue on their merry way.
For those of you who made snarky comments about "people need to learn how to walk across the street", I hope that you are never faced with the same situation and that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy and you never have to go thru what me and my family and the family of that little girl have had to go thru.
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