I've lived in Layton for over 15 years now and watched traffic get busier and busier on Gordon Ave. We have had a pedestrian crossing by Hill Blvd during that time, often with a crossing guard for the school kids who use it. Unfortunately, the crossing guard cannot always be there, and kids and adults still need to cross at other times, especially with the church there, where activities are held after dark, or kids coming home/going to school activities outside regular hours.

With the connecting of Gordon Ave to Highway 89, traffic has increased dramatically. It has never felt completely safe crossing, as this is a longer stretch without a light, and, especially on the south side, there is a light pole which obstructs the view of pedestrians until it's nearly too late. There's been too many close calls, even during light hours, and with adults. By the grace of God, we still have our second-oldest with us after yet another close call around 6 pm on 12/03. We will be getting him a hi-viz vest for the future, but not everyone has the luxury of getting one, nor would many kids wear one due to fashion faux pas. 

Our city can do more. There are already cross walk lights installed for the use of the crossing guard. It should be fairly simple and cost effective to add a pedestrian-activated button for those lights and create a "pelican crossing" or "HAWK beacon." And thus warn drivers that people are crossing before they see them from the corner of their eye. Also, better lighting is needed. The current light is dim, and does not illuminate those walking up to the intersection from Hill Blvd. 

What is there has helped with traffic over the years, but our lives are only getting busier, drivers are increasingly more distracted and need that reminder that there's a cross walk at this location. We can and should do more to protect our pedestrians, the quicker we can get this fixed, the better for everyone. We've been lucky so far. Even one life lost is one too many when it's entirely preventable.