The Miami Hurricane is reporting that Marie Cushmore, a senior at the University of Miami was struck by a Ford Expedition while crossing U.S. 1 and Mariopsa Court last Wednesday around 9:30pm.
Unfortunately, this is not the first accident here. According to The Miami Hurricane this intersection has had a history of accidents involving UM student pedestrians. About five years ago, UM student Ashley Kelly was killed when she was hit by a SUV that ran a red light on U.S. 1 and Mariposa Court.
It gets worse. Since 1990, seven students have been struck crossing Ponce de Leon Boulevard and U.S. 1. Three of the incidents have resulted in death.
There has been talk of building a pedestrian overpass across U.S. 1 at Mariposa. I for one hope this never gets built. Building a pedestrian overpass is not the solution as most people will not to use it and will continue to cross at grade level. The solution is to calm traffic in this area. It is unrealistic to expect healthy students to safely cross 6 lanes of traffic while cars are moving in excess of 50 mph. Can you imagine how an elderly person or someone with a physical disability must feel trying to cross U.S 1? How many more pedestrians need to die before FDOT decides to calm traffic on U.S. 1?
Please send an email to Mr. Gus Pego District 6 secretary letting him know that you are not satisfied with the existing conditions on U.S. 1.
Related posts:
- University of Florida Prez Defends Nazi-themed Student Gov Fliers on Free Speech Grounds
- Charge Against Florida Memorial University Student to be Dropped
- Crossing The Street Not Easy In Miami Springs
- Brickell Drawbridge and Red Pedestrian Crosswalk Lights
- University of Miami to Charge Student Smokers