Glad to hear that the utility pole structure will be replaced. It is an eye sore.
Let's also get someone to fix the timing of the stop light by Jack Gibbons. Sometimes you can wait for minutes trying to make a left hand turn onto Justamere without traffic coming from any other direction...very frustrating.

Where exactly will the sidewalk extend from? There should be sidewalk on the NORTH side of 151st from central to Jack Hille! For students going to OFHS and Hille. Many students walk on 151st street, does anyone know if there will be sidewalk there??

It is an eyesore...its in my fathers yard..why can they just make the kids go to the crosswalk thats already there near the school instead of having a light in his driveway?!!!!!

Thanks Lauren

another case of reactive over proactive. I believe OF asked for the county do do this years ago. Why does it always take a tragedy to get these politicians off their overpaid duffs? P.S. hilary, there's a crosswalk slightly west of the school, kids being kids will cross east if that's where they're going. wouldn't you?

Its nice that it wont be messy looking but I was wondering if his property value will go down now because of the lights?

Isnt it dangerous to have a crosswalk where the school has an exit also?

Now if they only had sidewalk by the HS on the west side...

Mike, they are coming soon. I don't know what happened to the funds the last two times. Last night we passed an ordinance allowing a right of way in front of the Library. For some reason the Library property extended all the way to Central. This was the last obstacle we have. The funds are approved, and we will vote on the construction company most likely at the next CC Meeting.

Hilary,
Thanks for trying, and yes it is dangerous to have a crosswalk at an EXIT.
Lauren,
It does not help completely because it is not entirely accurate. Please do not think I am questioning your reporting, because I am not. You are an excellent reporter, and you seem like a very nice person. I just think that the person you received your information from left out some important parts.
Bob,
"Kids being kids" is not a valid point when it comes to creating a so-called safe place for them to cross a street. The school, county, and city should have put these lights where the crosswalk already exists. It should not matter if a student has to walk an extra 100 feet or so in an opposite direction if it means getting home safely. Teach the students that the crosswalk down the street is where they need to cross - No Exceptions. The laziness of children should not dictate appropriate locations for traffic signals and crosswalks.
That being said, I went to city hall about a month ago and asked to speak with the city administrator, Mr. Ishler, regarding the new lovely addition to my dad’s front yard. Of course I just missed him as he was leaving for vacation. I did however speak to a very nice man at city hall who was kind enough to track down Mr. Ishler and voice my concerns. This man called me back right away and assured me that when Mr. Ishler returned from his vacation, I would be hearing from him.

A week and a half went by and I received a phone call from Mr. Ishler. The first thing I asked him was, why? He began to explain that children were hit by cars, this was mostly the county, Oak Forest just found out what exactly the plans of the county were, the school needs added safety features, and so on. He then said that the giant wooden poles and hanging wires are temporary devices, and that giant permanent metal structures would eventually be put in my dad’s yard instead. (Because giant metal poles are way more attractive than wooden poles…) He also said that when the county and IDOT surveyed the area, they, as well as the school, felt the location at the exit of the school made more sense for these devices instead of installing them where the existing crosswalk is located. He also said that the school does not want kids heading east to walk an extra 100 feet west to go home. (there you go Bob, instead of making kids walk 100 extra feet, we will spend an extra $100K or so to cover ditches, build sidewalks, and restructure electrical work for lights.)

So, I said that I understand two children have been hit by cars in the past year or so and that is very devastating; however the first child was pushed into the street by his friend, and the second, according to a newspaper article in the Southtown Star (http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/13345132-418/once-comatose-oak-forest-boy-on-safer-road-to-recovery.html) did not look both ways when he crossed the street. I also explained that it makes sense for these lights to be added, and that students should be able to push a button and stop traffic to cross, not only right after school lets out, but later as well for extra curricular activities or anything else that may cause delayed departure from the school. My problem however is that instead of putting these giant lights where the crosswalk already exists and has existed for the past 15 years, they decided to put them in my dad’s front yard and now children will cross directly into our driveway. I do not think it is fair that we are now burdened with the responsibility of having children cross into our driveway. I am also concerned that the property value of the house will decrease, not only because of the giant eyesore that now lives in the front yard, but because of the added liability of children crossing into the driveway. This is my dad’s house, however my name is on it, and I am the one who is going to have to try and sell it one day.

After I explained my concerns to Mr. Ishler, I asked him my final question of why I was NEVER informed that giant poles and crosswalks were going to be installed literally in my dad’s front yard. From everything that I had previously read in the newspaper and online, the city and county made it seem as though these structures were being installed at the already existing crosswalk. Mr. Ishler informed me that he tried to knock on my dad’s door once or twice during the middle of the day. Well sir, just like you I work full time, and I am in graduate school full time. My dad works full time too. No one is here during the day. I do however have a working telephone where we have received recorded messages from the city of Oak Forest in the past about things, and I also have an address where some form of letter could have been sent.
His response, Oh, I guess I got wrapped up in my vacation, sorry about that…
When I go to my “Managing Local Governments” class tonight at GSU for my MPA program, I am going to pay extra attention because one day I will have a public administrative job just like yours sir, and as administrators our main goal is to serve the public.

Well said Holly...i wasnt aware of all that information...i hope there is a change!!!

I also have to agree with Holly and make the point that noone has made in that both instances of students being hit by cars could have been prevented if the students were a litlle more responsible. Just because the county and the city put in lights and sidewalks it doesn't mean that the students will use them and accidents won't happen. Waste of time and money. Parents need to teach their kids responsibilty this generation is being done a huge disservice by parents and society as a whole.

Thank you Danielle, it was like you read my mind, I could not agree with you more.

I would like to respond to all the previous people that are concerned with what their driveways look like and their property value instead of the safety of children- I am the mother of Alex Fitzgerald and I don't appreciate the comments that he was irresponsible or that my husband and I do not teach him properly. Alex was a straight A student, a leader to his peers, involved in his church and sports teams- not a punk trouble-maker. He looked both ways but did not look right a second time. Of course , we all know he should have, but what 12 year old doesn't act quickly. The conditions of that street were such that this accident was bound to be repeated again. I cannot express how horrible it was to watch my son fight for his life. Anyone who is a parent knows that it is their worst nightmare. Thank God he had a miraculous recovery and I wish that these people would get their priorities straight. The safety of EVERY child should be everyones first priority. I cannot believe how shallow these people are. Maybe they should visit a children's intensive care unit so they understand how dangerous a dimly lit street without traffic lights can be with cars traveling 35 mph and many children coming from school or the park/baseball fields behind Hille. We are very grateful that these safety measures are being put into place. I'm sure that parents will instruct their kids to cross at the new crosswalk ONLY- and kids are being more cautious as a result of these accidents. Lisa Fitzgerald

My name is Beth Carter and I am one of the many nurses that cared for Alex Fitzgerald after his accident. Alex is just one of many children that I have cared for whose injuries were the result of poor lighting and lack of street signals on various roads. I am truly appalled at the comments focused on home values and aesthetics rather than the safety of children. Ms. Austera, shame on you for being so I'll-guided in your thinking....your concerns are petty and trivial when compared to the safety of children, or anyone for that matter. Ms. Abendroth....how embittered and shallow to consider the changes a "waste of money". Safety is priceless and the entities making all of this possible should be applauded, not criticized. I will pray for these and any other people who see through impaired eyes and whose hearts are unable to be empathetic and, for lack of a better word, simply humane. God bless! Beth Carter

Lisa, I wouldn't worry about what any of these people say. These people have no idea what they are talking about. We know our children who were crossing the street that night are good responsible young men and were not goofing around. The lighting was dark and it was a horrible accident. I am saddened by a person who is more concerned by the resale value of her house than the safety of children. And, if there is concern about children walking through her driveway, then my suggestion is to not live across the street from a school! I pray for the safety and well being of everyone who crosses there and hope that some people come to their senses and realize what is really important!
Cindy

Lisa,
It's mind over matter, so don't mind what doesn't matter. Its a safer city now and we should all be proud of that.

I don't know how the stop light's selection and location was decided. Was it because it would provide the most safety? Was it the least expensive alternative? What were the other considerations? Does the light's configuration have to include four poles or can it be done with poles only on the north side of the street?
It appears that the decision was made by county and school officials with an okay provide by the city. What's also appears to be, was that there was little (if any) input from the surrounding residents.

Tom, thank you for your comment, all of the things you said are the Reason for my post.
Beth, the only person that gets to shame me is my mother, and she died in my arms from a brain aneurysm 2 years ago. Please do not tell me that you are “appalled” by my comments when I have said nothing appalling. As a taxpaying citizen of this town I voiced my concern about an issue, and the fact that I was never informed of any of this. My discontent is with the county and the city, not with children. Also, please do not even begin to associate my name with the words “lack of empathy” or “inhumanity.” You do not know me, and you do not know anything about my life, or my family for that matter. The fact that you would use such strong words against someone you do not know, simply for voicing her opinion, is unfortunate.

Cindy, My main concern is liability. I do not want to be liable for kids crossing into my driveway. I do not think anyone would want to be liable for that. My dad is not getting any younger, and what if he, or I, for that matter, is backing down our driveway in a hurry to go to work and someone is crossing and I HIT THEM. It is easy for you to say aggressive things toward me because this is not your home. How do you not realize that I am concerned for the kids at the school? We have lived here for 15 years, and the kids have always happily crossed down the street. I stop on a regular basis to let kids cross when there is no one there to cross them because that is the right thing to do.

Lisa, I do not have children, however I have been raising my brother who is autistic since I was a little girl. I have nephews and a niece who I love more than just about anything in this world. I can assure you, I was not attacking you, your child, or your parenting. I agreed with Danielle on a societal level, not on a Lisa Fitzgerald level. I do not know you, or your family, and therefore, unlike others, I would never make false assumptions about you. I am sure you are a wonderful parent, and I can’t imagine how difficult it has been helping and watching your son recover through this difficult time. I wish you and your family all the best, and I hope your son fully recovers.

With all of that being said, my concerns are with the city and the county and their lack of communication and poor planning regarding this project. And yes, I am concerned about being liable for kids crossing into my driveway, and I am also concerned about having to sell my dads house one day. Those concerns do not make me a bad person; they make me a realistic person

Ms. Austera should be applauded for her concern regarding the safety of ALL the children in her community! Instead she was attacked by the short sighted and narrow minded.
It seems obvious that the folks in charge of this project have not completed their due diligence. What's the point in rushing? Why not get it right the first time?

Ms. Austeria does not appear to be concerned for ALL children in this communtiy. She stated in her earlier post, and I quote, "My main concern is liability." These are her exact words copied and pasted here. With this line of thinking, any child that crosses her property line is a liability and a potential law suit. I understand that she is concerned that she or her father may hurt someone, as evidenced by this quote, "My dad is not getting any younger, and what if he, or I, for that matter, is backing down our driveway in a hurry to go to work and someone is crossing and I HIT THEM." As we live in a community that fosters families, maybe one should never back out of their driveway in a hurry in case there are children there. A home does not have to be across the street from a school to have concern.
I'm sorry that this is causing an inconvenience for this family and their potential resale values. Again in your own words, " (Because giant metal poles are way more attractive than wooden poles…)." I still do not see a concern for children here. She is disappointed in the lack of communication with this project. I didn't realize that the city/county has to notify people of changes to the easements. The area where the poles are placed and will eventually be permanent is not your property. Maybe we should ask the commissioners office to set your number on speed dial, so they can consult you about further improvements. After all, you will be a "public adminstrator" someday.

Having nieces and nephews is nothing at ALL like being a parent. I have nieces and nephews that I would do anything for, however, I would absolutely go the extra distance for my own children. In case you are wondering why I am so passionate about these comments it is because I was there when Alex was hit. I was a first responder, driving my own child and his friends home from the play. I (along with some other wonderful people) monitored his vitals as we waited for the ambulance to arrive making sure he was covered and his head stabilized. I was on the ground with him. Were you there, ma’am? Were you craning your neck to see what had happened? Or were you in your home silently thankful that this did not occur on your property and down the block where “children happily cross.”

I do not take kindly to being called inhumane, embittered and shallow for voicing my opinion. As a citizen of the us, I am entitled to my opinion, as is Holly. My statement was not solely about Alex or his parents, as Ms. Fitzgerald and everyone else might think, it is about society as a whole. All people need to be safer, that is absolutely true, however, just because lights and sidewalks are put in place does not mean that this will solve the problem. The fact is that Alex admitted he didn't look both ways before crossing. Just because parents may teach their kids to use the new crosswalk and the new crosswalk only, doesn't mean they will. Kids and kids, no child, straight a student or not, follows 100% of the rules all the time. The point simply was that children growing up now are being taught to have less responsibility than myself and even my parents had. I walked to school without crosswalks and stoplights and everything and managed to not get hit by cars, etc. Also thoughy, why only the concern for children in this matter, do adult lives not matter. If Alex were a 30 something like myself, would there have been as much outrage and action to get stop lights and sidewalks? The crosswalk was moved just so some kids didn't have to walk out of their way to go home, can we make kids any lazier. As time goes by, kids will not be as careful as they are now, no matter what Ms. Fitzgerald and everyone else believes, in 5 years those kids wont know what happened.

I'm going to back up my my wife's comments here. As you can see, she was deeply effected by just being there by this young man's side. Can you possibly imagine how incredibly deeply effected Alex and his wonderful family have been by this event? Truthfully, none of us can because it didn't happen to us. But I have two kids that I love more than life and it chills me to the bones to imagine going through that. I am so very thankful that this measure was taken. And I can guarantee just about every parent of Hille's students are as well.

We get it that you don't like the decisions made by the city county or whoever. But when you place your concerns and needs out into a public forum such as this, you are opening yourself up to this sharp criticism.

And Mary S - I must take you to task for calling those that responded to Ms Austeria's comments as "short sighted and narrow minded". That offends me - I can only assume you do not know them - especially the family of the young man that was hit. They are far from short sighted and narrow minded. They are simply trying to prevent another tragedy by supporting a new safety measure.

Hi, readers.

I'd like to remind everyone to please keep this discussion civil and avoid personal attacks. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I'd like to be sure that each person feels comfortable expressing that opinion here on Patch.

Thanks,
Lauren Traut
Associate Regional Editor

Ms. Austera - Your comments make you a "realistic person?" I think NOT! Your comments seem to represent a very self-centered concern about property & value Very sad! So, you are worried about the resale value of your father's home vs. the current safety of all of the kids in this community? All I have to say is: WOW!!! I do not know you as a person, so I cannot make a judgment about you on the whole --- you may be a great and caring person. However, I am merely commenting based on some of the comments you made which make it appear that you are more concerned with the home value, liability than you would be for the safety issues facing the community!

Oh, and Mary S: "What's the point in rushing?" Well, to me it's quite obvious that with the kids back in school it raises great concern about the safety of them crossing 151st street! Do we need yet another tragedy to strike before something is done...yet again? Really? Come on now! Let's look at the safety of the children and forget about "due diligence" (as quoted by you) and yada yada yada!

Tom S - You are concerned about the number of poles needed? You honestly don't think the engineers, city officials, county officials would have gone over what they need vs. what they don't need? Also, don't you think they weighed all options and variables that went along with each option? You made it sound like these folks are incompetent. Give our officials some credit!!!

I applaud officials 4 taking this step!

I've known Holly for about 15 years now. She is one of the smartest, most decent friends I've ever had. Honestly, it's sickening the way you guys are responding to one of your neighbors voicing her opinion in the comments section of an online article. Her life/concerns/well-being/thoughts/safety/whatever are just as valuable as anyone else in our town. This article is posted so that residents can voice their opinion on this topic, which is exactly what Holly did. At no point was she ever unclear that she was concerned about the children.

Mrs. Silha, you copied and pasted some quotes from Holly's comments. However, you conveniently left out the following words, which incidentally directly followed one of the quotes you posted: "How do you not realize that I am concerned for the kids at the school? We have lived here for 15 years, and the kids have always happily crossed down the street. I stop on a regular basis to let kids cross... because that is the right thing to do." And you are correct, our town does fosters family. Guess what Holly told us in her comments. Yep, how this issue affects her family, which she again has a right to do. You did however leave out how this was directly affecting your family. Oh that's right, it's not in your front yard, it's in Holly's.

In short, one person is no more or less important than any other, and every one deserves to have his/her voice heard, even if you don't agree with what he/she is saying. This is America, deal with it.

I have lived in Oak Forest my entire life and this stretch of 151st has always been dangerous. Alex Fitzgerald is only the latest, tragic example of how dangerous this area really. There have been dozens and dozens of accidents over the past 4 decades - most gone unnoticed by the public because we didn't have instant access to the information back then. This has always been a busy street with nothing to slow drivers down or get their attention from Central Avenue to Oak Park Avenue. I don't think there is another spot in Oak Forest with such a long stretch of road like this.

In 1978 or 1979 my brother was hit by a car while riding his bike to Midlothian CC to caddy. We used to cross from Condado to Hille so we could cut through Convent Park to avoid the busy streets. Since that time, Ridgewood and the Landings have been built adding to the traffic. Hille is 2-3 times as large as it was back then. The church across from Hille has been expanded. All of this increase the traffic as well as the pedestrians that use 151st St. Also, since then, the only improvements to safety in the area has been the one crosswalk west of the school and the 2 foot shoulder on 151st is now paved instead of gravel. I think we have been extremely lucky that there have not more of these accidents.

Well done Melissa!!.Wouldnt have said it any better myself!!!..its sad when people get attacked for voicing their opinions

I understand not wanting a light in your front yard. I also understand not wanting a cross walk by your drive way. But, your father did purchase a home across from a school and next to a church. Did it never occur to him that someday there might be some changes that could affect your property? A property on a busy street, across from a school, and next to a church already has had its property value affected. But, your father chose to purchase there. There is also a chance that the street could be widened in the future. And, as far as your liabilty, make sure you are as respnsible as people expect these kids to be and I am sure nothing bad will ever happen.

Here's a news flash for some of you - kids are irresponsible! And, the most responsible kid in the world can have a momentary lapse in judgement, get distracted or just give in to an impulse. I cannot even believe that more than one person suggested that we not make changes because they should just learn to be more responsible. My parents taught me to be responsible but they didn't let me play with matches, drink poisonous cleaning liquids, throw knives in the house, or stick a fork in an electrical outlet. Maybe they should have, a good electrical shock would have surely taught me not to do that again. (They did let us play with Jarts, though.)

Last Saturday I saw Fitz at the Raiders game. Thank God that he was well enough to attend and I was able to shake his hand and tell him how happy we are all that he is doing so much better. It is a shame that Alex had to endure such to get the school district, city, and county to make the changes that have been needed since I was a kid and had to cross 151st to get to Convent Park, Midlothian CC, or the White Hen on Central Ave. This is long overdue!

I know, I for one (of many I hope); will be so happy when there is a functioning light there because when there are night functions such as plays, concerts, etc, and we know with fall coming it will get dark sooner; when I would leave the Hille parking lot at 9 pm, as a responsible driver I don't want to worry I might not be able to see someone. It is a scary feeling when you pass a child and think "wow, I almost did not see him!" Well, now we will.

I think that improving the safety of 151st St. with new lights, sidewalks, and crosswalks is long overdue.
I think that a much stronger police presence in the mornings and afternoons when school is starting and ending would help quite a bit more. I think anybody that has a kid would tell you how bad traffic can be at these times. It is much worse by the high school, especially when school lets out. Perhaps an officer or two could be assigned to watch or help with traffic at these times.

Steve..... Looks like the two that got hit thought they were imaginary.... or did they just not look?? So because they did stupid WE PAY?

Tired of the B.S.: I normally don't address personal attacks, but you've chosen to do so from behind a computer screen in addition to the alias you've created. Please do not attempt to assume that you know either one of us. I came to this post to defend someone I've known since grade school. She came to a public forum to voice her opinion, and it seemed to me that some of the responding comments were attacking her character. I don't find it wise to judge people before knowing them, and Holly is not the kind of person I felt she was made out to be. I said my piece and I admit I may have gotten a little sassy in the heat of the moment. I apologize if my sticking up for a friend has offended you in some way, but I will not apologize for doing it. So instead of resorting to insulting my friend and myself, I would prefer it if you joined me in a face-to-face, rational conversation.

To answer your question thinly veiled in personal attacks, considering the poles are directly in front of Holly's house I would think she has a good idea of where they are. If you read her comments, she clearly states that she is concerned about the children crossing into her driveway, not just for the liability of it but for the safety of neighborhood children. I don't think that makes her inhuman or stupid. I think it makes her responsible and clear-headed. I only hope that more residents take note of how she's handled this situation for future reference.

No, Hamish, they are not imaginary nor are they stupid. They are children. In their minds, they are immortal, infallible. They do not think that bad things can happen. It's all part of being a child. As adults, it is OUR RESPONSIBILITY to keep them safe. It is our job to put in place things that will help them grow up safe, and in one piece, to become successful adults. These improvements are being placed to do just that. Are they perfect? Will they abort any and all possible accidents? No, probably not, but they will help. They will make people more cognizant of their surroundings. I really am sorry that this will be an inconvenience to people. But, unfortunately, that is how life goes. We don't always get exactly the thing we want. The Fitzgerald Family did not want their son to get hit. That's not how it worked out for them. But, they rolled with it and approached their situation with grace, dignity, and strength. They took a very bad situation and found a way to make it be ok. Maybe people should take a lesson from them. Life equals change. Change makes people very nervous. However, we have to think in terms of the greater good. If this light prevents even one more child from getting hurt, in my opinion, it's worth it.

Let's keep in mind that these were accidents that took TWO parties...not just the kid being pushed into traffic or running into traffic. What about the cars that struck these kids? Did you ever think these lights and other safety measures to be put in place just might have prevented these accidents? With the lights, cars will have to slow down or stop completely as they approach the area where kids are crossing in front of Hille. None of us can guess as to whether or not these accidents would or would not have happeend. The bottom line here is let's choose safety over guessing!!

I hope that before any permanent structures are installed that a wholistic traffic review (both pedestrian and vehicle) is conducted. Taking into consideration large groups leaving the park, the church, and the school especially at events when many cars are present. Are kids still going to be allowed to cross 151st at Condado and Oxford? What about the high school kid's patterns when school is let out?
I think it's about time we hear from the city on just what the permanent plan is!
Any homeowner(s) that is going to be affected by this project should have their concerns heard by the government. And where possible, and reasonable, any intrusions should be minimized in the project's design.

Hello fellow patchians, I can not help but wonder if instead of spending countless pixels of wasted internet space, you actually spend time improving this town, you have such strong opinions about. Let's be honest all the lights in the world will not save every child and as much as we would like to fool ourselves that the education and horror stories will bubble wrap life for our kids. We and our children must take some responsiblity for ourselves. In conclusion continue to to file down sharp edges and give your children the idiot proof
scissors but accidents will happen. Grow up Peter pan and take some of the blame you are spewing.

Bob and Steve ....... You two really need to enter the real world and grow up to realize these kids screwed up........ Plain and simple! Quit blaming the drivers! But what can we expect from bleeding heart trisomic liberals.

Hamish,
Your comments show that you do not live in the real world. In the real world, people try to take care of children and try to insure that they will be protected in case they do something childish like pushing each other or running into streets. You live in a family community and in a family community, we will do what is needed to protect our kids.
I suggest you take a moment to think how painful it must be for the parents of the children that were hit, not to mention the drivers involved, to come here and read the crap that you spew.
I am far from being a liberal and I don't have Down's syndrome, as your post suggests. Perhaps you think you are being funny or clever with your posts but I and many others find your way of thinking to be disgusting.
I have not seen any post here that blame the drivers for what happened, only your posts that blame the children. I am sorry that you feel that installing traffic controls will have no effect, I guess I missed the part where you are a traffic safety expert.
I have never wished bad on somebody, but in your case, I think it would be a great learning experience for you to go through what Fitz has had to deal with. I realize that you will probably want to blame me and attack me by telling me how twisted my thoughts are. Go ahead, I can take it. I will not sink to your level of stupidity because it would only drag me down to your level and then you would beat me with your vast experience.

Tired of the BS....... I am more concerne
d about people placing blame where it doesnt belong (on the innocent drivers and the govt.) and more where it belongs on the ones who pushed someone or ran into the street. And I dont have to worry about my three kids.... I taught them how to cross the street

Steve im not sure how you can sum up my character by saying i dont care about kids and what you sre basing that on. Just because i said this generation needs to be more responsible doesnt mean i dont care about kids. As far as the comment about me outright hitting kids with my car, im not sure where that us coming from. Im not a savage who just seeks out innocent people to plow down. I never said i didnt care about kids. Choosing not to have children and not caring about kids are two different things. You couldnt be more wrong about me. Seems Michael made the same point I made and hes not being crucified....interesting. Clearly im not alone in my opinion. And once again a human life is a human life, all should be protected without regard to age or mental capacity, etc.

Also Steve if we are all opening ourselves up to judgement based on comments I guess I can say that you're a......nah nevermind, I don't want to stoop to the same level as you and everyone else.

Steve my earlier post was written in a sarcastic tone and was clearly misinterpreted. We will continue to have a difference of opinion on this matter, and that's ok because opinions are not right or wrong. Ultimately we both want the same thing, no matter the way it's achieved.

Tired, you actually have no idea about my life and whether or not that has happened to someone I know or not. My statement was a blanket statement about society as a whole and not just this incident or this type of incident. Kids are kids, people stoplights in or sidewalks in does not guarantee this will never happened again. And that's a fact, nothing is ever guaranteed. If you read all of my earlier posts youd have seen thats what i said. Just because I think kids need to be taught more responsibility doesn't mean I don't care. I'm sorry, but the first instance (not alexs) was blatant irresponsibility on the part of those kids. You just don't push people in the middle of the street, that's common sense. As a whole kids are coddled in today's world. My opinion does not make me shallow inhumane or embittered, it makes me a realist.

According to the police report there were a few factors that contributed to the accident. One, the driver said she did not see the pedestrian until she hit him and the lighting would be considered dim at the time of the accident; second, the police report states "the pedestrian apparently ran into the street without first checking to see if a vehicle was close enough to him to become a hazard." Third the driver was "operating her vehicle at or near the posted speed limit of 35 MPH" The speed at time of impact was calculated between 28 and 32 MPH. One witness heard kids yelling for someone not to cross the street, and the victims friends all yelled that there was a car coming. So speed and lack of traffic signals was not the cause, but poor lighting and a crossing error seem to be the cause.

Now this was a terrible accident and I feel for the family and the driver, and I pray that Alex will be healthy and have a great life. I would not want to be in his parents shoes and have to see that happen to my child. Placing the blame will not really help, but knowing the facts will lead to a real solution to the problem. The traffic signal does not seem to be the issue and most likely will not prevent further accidents of this nature; maybe what is really needed is more street lights so that drivers can see pedestrians. I think all who drive this street will agree that it is dark and sometimes you can not see pedestrians walking on the side of the road until you are on them.