When it comes to vehicle versus pedestrian, it’s obvious who is most likely to win.  Most people working aboard NAS Whidbey Island endure one of three crosswalks on Charles Porter Avenue every day.

Whether it’s in a vehicle or as a pedestrian, the effects impact our lives daily.  Encountering the three crosswalks can often be frustrating. There have even been times when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle. 

The crosswalks and flashing red lights were implemented to ensure safety and efficiency of traffic along Charles Porter Avenue. 

Lt. Karla Bennett, Security Officer, urges pedestrians to be “responsible adults and take responsibility for his or her own safety by taking a moment to look where they are going prior to crossing Charles Porter Avenue.”

Drivers continue to ignore the red flashing lights.  What can happen if a vehicle decides to disobey the red flashing lights?

Members can be cited for Failure to Comply with Flashing Signals under the Revised Code of Washington 46.61.065. The issuance of a Federal Citation can result in $50 fine plus court fees and 4 points assessed on the traffic point system.

“The crosswalks should have something to let the pedestrians know if the light actually light up once the button is pressed,” said Naval Air Crewman Avionics 1st Class Burton Treen of NAS Whidbey Island. “There have been times when I pressed the button and the lights did not come on; however, I had no way of knowing.”

Naval Air Crewman 1st Class Andrew North of Search and Rescue said, “If someone is at a crosswalk, the vehicle has a responsibility to stop regardless if the lights are flashing or not.”

In order to ensure the safety of pedestrians at the highly used crosswalks along the main thoroughfare for the base, both the drivers and pedestrians need to take responsibility.  Both are encouraged to use caution during nighttime hours and the overall goal is safety for all.