Honor Anthony by improving safety

I am writing this letter because of the most recent loss of one of the sweetest men I know. Anthony was tragically killed last Thursday while crossing the intersection on Fifth and Cedar.

My office is located on that very corner, with a window facing Cedar and a window facing. Fifth Avenue. It is impossible for me to not continually observe drivers and pedestrians at this intersection.

I did not witness this latest accident. I am not addressing any fault or blame in this situation. I just feel it is past time we do something to make it safer for both drivers and pedestrians.  Sandpoint has many areas that need addressed.

Perhaps we can honor Anthony by making some much needed improvements.

I feel we need more visibility and lighting in many areas.  I have observed a lot of drivers from my desk. I think most are very responsible and focused. I have also noticed drivers who are impatient and unfocused. I can see their expressions as they impatiently sit at the stoplight. I see them talking on their cell phones and trying to multi task while driving. They are just feet away from my desk. I hear horns honking because the driver in the left-hand lane on Cedar has not turned left on red onto Fifth Avenue.

Additionally, I see drivers cutting through our lobby entrance to avoid stopping at the lights. I can tell you they do not realize or care, that we have guests and employees walking from the parking garage into the lobby as they whiz impatiently past the lobby door.

There have been many near misses due to driver impatience and focus on getting to their destination. I have had many employees and guests tell me, someone came “this close” to hitting them. It’s happened to me too often as well. I fear it is just a matter of time before we have another tragedy at our front door.

I’m hopeful our city and state will take some type of action to improve the safety of this corner and other areas. Drivers also need to do their part. We may have signs up that say we are a walking town, but that doesn’t mean anything if the drivers are impatient and not focused and present when driving. A pedestrian doesn’t have a chance against a vehicle. How many lives must we lose before we figure this one out?

Please calm down people. Please pay attention. It is just not worth the heartache, loss and tragedy to arrive at your destination two minutes earlier.

BONNIE ENG

Sandpoint

G.M. LaQuinta Inn