The Triangle

Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: Ed-Op

Media Credit: Blaise Tobia This photo was edited by the photographer when submitted due to its graphic nature.

Dear Editor,


This morning, a Drexel student was struck by a SEPTA bus while she was crossing at Market and 32nd streets. It was a very serious accident. Ironically, a student opinion piece in The Triangle just a few weeks ago complained of the dangers pedestrians in Philadelphia face every time they cross a street, and I remember welcoming the piece.

I have lived in many cities on the East Coast, West Coast, and in the Midwest. I was raised in New York City. I have spent considerable time in Italy. Nowhere - not in New York City and not even in Rome - have I felt remotely as afraid as I do in Philadelphia when I cross a street. There seems to be a combination of ignorance of driving regulations and disrespect for pedestrians by drivers here that makes us world-class in this regard.

The citywide problem cannot be corrected by Drexel's administration. But, there are things that could be done within the boundaries of our campus to reduce the danger. The promised traffic signal at 34th and Lancaster streets - incredibly long overdue - is just one of them.

There could also be reduced speed limits, bolder markings, flashing yellow lights, "bumped-out" curbs, raised safety zones, more signs advising where pedestrians have the right of way. We could insist that the city do a better job of traffic enforcement within the Drexel campus (as is done on the Penn campus).

Student concern and action were central to finally getting a commitment for the traffic signal on 34th Street. These need to be extended to the overall campus, especially because so many major streets must be crossed so many times daily by students just trying to get to meals and to classes.



Blaise Tobia

Professor of digital media

Drexel University

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