Letters to the Editor

Editor:

I recently sat at our new traffic signal on various corners with a stop watch observing traffic.

I came to the conclusion that its current configuration is flawed. Stopping traffic in all four directions for pedestrians for 35 seconds might be a good idea for Times Square in New York, but not here in Leisure World.

Just count the cars stopped in all four directions as you’re waiting at the red light, and you will be able to see my point. Two directions should be moving. Pedestrians still cross the street when the light turns green (which is normal most everywhere else) but now they’re in danger of being hit by cars turning right or left, which have the right of way.

Cars and pedestrians should both cross together on the green light. The white walk signal should come on for the first 15 seconds count down, which is standard and predictable.

The turn signal arrow may be a good idea, but it should be for all directions. We’re confusing the issue by only having it for east- and westbound traffic. Both opposing directions should turn together for about 10-15 seconds followed by a 30-second green light for cars and pedestrians. Just because we spent $350,000-plus on the traffic light doesn’t mean we need to try and reinvent the wheel. A standard and predictable system that we already know and understand, and that keeps traffic flowing, is all that we need. Dale Moore Mutual 5 Editor’s Note: The safety upgrade at St. Andrews Drive and Golden Rain Road is not yet fully operational as it was discovered that a new traffic controller is needed. Once it is complete, the pedestrian cycle will only be triggered when someone is crossing the lanes and right turns will not be allowed, plus there will be audible alerts to help people navigate the crosswalks.