The Gull's Call - Oct/Nov/Dec 2025

CommunityNews

Flashing Crosswalk Beacons & Traffic Safety by Jacqui Galvez Vasquez M ORNINGS IN ALAMEDA CAN BE A BUSY TIME with people headed off in all directions for work and school. We also see traffic crashes taking place in the morning, many of which could be avoided by following basic safety tips. Traffic crashes involving pedestrians are becoming more frequent and can be deadly. On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at approximately 7:30 am, Alameda Police Officers responded to the intersection of Marcuse Street and Mecartney Road following a report of a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. When officers arrived, they located an adult male in the roadway. The man was transported by the Alameda Fire Department to a local hospital where he sadly succumbed to his injuries. It was reported that the driver, who stayed on scene and cooperated fully with the investigation, had failed to de-fog the windshield, and drove despite poor visibility from a foggy windshield combined with sun glare. In June, 2025, installation of flashing lights at the following three intersections was completed: Mecartney/ Marcuse/Baywalk; Mecartney/Fontana/Baywood; and Mecartney/Verdemar/Ironwood. These flashing lights at crosswalks (known as Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons, or RRFBs) have been shown to increase the percentage of drivers yielding to people walking in crosswalks from 18% to 88%. Alameda has these in 26+ locations.

New “yield to pedestrian” signs were also added at these locations. A September 2023 traffic signal warrant analysis for Mecartney/Marcuse/Baywalk found that the intersection was not appropriate for a traffic signal due to insufficient vehicle volume, pedestrian volume, and other considerations. Here’s how to avoid or deal with poor visibility while driving, especially when the sun is strong in the morning: • Before driving, defrost your windshields and make sure they are clean, inside and out. Moisture and grime that look ok in your driveway can obscure vision in the sun. • Wear sunglasses and use the car’s sun visor as needed. • Reduce your speed, especially approaching intersections. • Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. • Adjust travel plans (time or route) to avoid sun glare. • If you really can’t see, safely pull over until you can. It’s not worth the risk. Other safety tips for drivers include keeping your speed low, watching for pedestrians and bicyclists, driving sober, and choosing a smaller car when possible. Safety tips for all modes of travel include taking care when turning, staying focused and alert, staying visible, and being predictable.

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