A smarter way to cross the street

IN "DANGER: Pedestrians ahead" (op-ed, March 14), the Commonwealth's crossing law is presented in a comical way. Behind the wheel, my encounters with pedestrians entering crosswalks have often been the proverbial accidents waiting to happen, not a safe experience for the walker or me. While recently in Boulder, Colo., I marveled at that city's intelligent system to provide right of way to street-crossing pedestrians. Upon reaching a well-marked and lighted crosswalk, the walker pushes a button for a pole-mounted yellow light that quickly starts flashing to alert oncoming cars. With traffic temporarily halted, the pedestrian has ample time to complete the crossing. Afterward, traffic resumes flowing. Everyone can see what is going on and can act accordingly. Our crossing law is a good concept. Let's insist on the supporting infrastructure to also make it safe for everyone.
DAVID S. GREENFIELD, Waban