The death of Erin Pelton Monday night is a tragedy to say the least. A 2008 UF graduate with an animal biology degree, she aspired to become a veterinarian, and friends say she had a promising future.
Stepping off an RTS bus, Pelton followed a group of people crossing Archer road. A driver who was not intoxicated and was following the speed limit swerved to avoid the group, hitting Pelton.
The loss of this young woman follows two similar traffic fatalities that occurred earlier this year, according to the Gainesville Police Department.
Because bus stops are not always placed at or near intersections, but rather are scattered all along busy roads, some students are left to cross three and four lanes to reach their destination. The danger is compounded at night, when poorly lit roads make crossing students less visible.
Expanding driver and pedestrian awareness about this issue is critical to ensuring the safety of UF students and all Gainesville pedestrians.
Also, by identifying stops where people commonly cross busy roads, RTS can adjust routes to provide safer alternatives.
Ultimately, we would like to see RTS place as many bus stops as possible near crosswalks and intersections, while identifying alternative routes specifically aimed at reducing this risk.
The loss of one person justifies a careful consideration of the problem. Three deaths in one year, along with those in years past, demands prompt action.
