Dear Editor,
I would like to respond to what I see as irresponsible
reporting; then to a cruel, unfeeling letter published on July
7.
Dear Editor,
I would like to respond to what I see as irresponsible reporting; then to a cruel, unfeeling letter published on July 7.
Let’s address the reporting first. In the fifth paragraph, the reporter tells us, “Brian Trejo was not wearing a helmet. Bozzo said it appeared the children were alone.” Or, how about, (Bozzo) “I know that the children seemed young, and I know that another set of eyes would have helped.”
Can’t beat that for good old-fashioned blaming the victim and his brother. It’s not until paragraphs 11 and 12 that we read, “Based on testimony given by several witnesses, Bozzo said the children acted safely.”
“The children were crossing the road in a proper manner. In this particular accident, a large number of witnesses came forward and told the same thing: The children waited for a green light to cross'” Bozzo said. He also added the boy was scooting at the same speed that his older brother was walking.
A non-witness is quoted as saying, “What are children doing alone walking around here?” Why include this? A little more victim bashing?
The bigger question is: Are our children (or anyone) unsafe while using the city’s crosswalks when they obey the law and occupy the crosswalk? What about the school kids who cross here each day? Should we require that all children using crosswalks wear helmets and be accompanied by an adult?
The driver may be cooperating, may feel terrible about the accident, but the fact remains, for one brief moment, she was inattentive, whether on a phone, talking to someone in the car, adjusting the radio’s volume, or whatever, and, as a result, she killed a 5-year-old pedestrian.
“This is one of those unfortunate things that just happen,” Bozzo said.
No, the laws are already on the book concerning crosswalks, and the driver broke the law. Traffic study? It will only confirm what is already known – a dangerous intersection. A left-turn signal? Try standing at the intersections on the way to the shopping centers and count how many left-turning cars speed through long after the signal has changed. Laws are enacted to be enforced.
To the person who wrote the July 7 letter – considering the circumstances, your son would also have been a victim of vehicular manslaughter, and perhaps also the adult you would have accompany him. How about a little compassion for a brother and family who are mourning?
Jacquie Coppag, Gilroy
