Will New Crosswalks be Coming to Marietta Square?

There may be some changes coming to Marietta Square as the chair of the city’s Public Works Committee is eyeing “scramble crosswalks,” which are expected to help make crossing the street safer. As you may already know, pedestrian-related accidents are increasingly high as drivers aren’t as cautious as they should be when it comes to making turns or determining whether the pedestrian attempting to cross the street has the right-of-way. In 2015, 5,376 pedestrians were killed in car accidents in the U.S. which averages to about one death every 1.6 hours [Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention].

Now, if you’re wondering what a scramble crosswalk is exactly, basically it works by stopping all vehicular traffic at a four-way stop when it is time for pedestrians to cross the street. They would be permitted to cross any way, including diagonally all at the same time, says the Marietta Daily Journal. Councilman Grif Chalfant plans to discuss these crosswalks at the committee’s meeting as he has been “urged” by his constituents to talk about it as the Square gets a significant amount of traffic flow.

Chalfant believes “the crossings could be more efficient for pedestrians because nobody would have to wait for two signals to cross the street diagonally.” He also stated that it would help protect pedestrians from “eager right-turners,” especially at the southwest corner of the Square. Chalfant went on to say that “anybody trying to go across at Marietta Pizza Company is pretty much taking their lives in their own hands even though they have the right of way.”

How are Marietta resident’s reacting to this proposed change?

 While you would think residents would be thrilled to see any efforts made toward making the roadway a safer place for everyone, many weren’t exactly excited about this idea. A former high-school student said that she “would support that walking, but as a driver, probably not.” A Kennesaw State University student also agreed with her. He told the news source that “The traffic gets so backed up already, and especially when you want to get home or get somewhere you need to be, it hinders traffic.”

The KSU student also said that if drivers have to wait for pedestrians, “it would get real complicated because people would go real slow, take their time.” While some seem to be in favor of the scramble crosswalks as they would help pedestrians get across the street without having to wait at each corner they needed to cross at, many think otherwise. Some are under the impression that these crosswalks would just add to the confusion that already exists on the roadway as well as frustrate Marietta drivers.

Despite what residents are saying, Chalfant plans to bring up the scramble crosswalks at the committee meeting and believes it won’t be a costly or labor-intensive job to test the new crossings as the city would only be required to change the lights and put down some temporary striping. In the meantime, if you are someone who travels by foot or ever finds yourself having to the cross the street, be sure you implement the pedestrian safety tips offered by AAA to ensure you don’t become the victim of yet another auto accident.

And if you were recently injured by a motorist, it is important that you contact Imbriale Injury Law at (678)-445-7423 and speak with a Marietta, GA car accident lawyer who can help you recoup the compensation you may be eligible to receive. Whether you have incurred medical expenses as a result of the accident or will need ongoing therapy to help you through the recovery period, the Kennesaw car crash lawyers at Imbriale Injury Law will fight for the maximum compensation that can make this tough time a little easier to get through.

 You can reach Imbriale Injury Law at:

 145 Towne Lake Parkway, Suite 200

Woodstock, GA 30188

678-445-7423