Terrifying Reminder

 

Dear Editor,

 

On the way to drop off my son at the Middle School last week, I witnessed a teenage boy come within a few inches of being killed. I was driving south on Milton Road, and the crossing guard by Resurrection School stepped into the road in front of me with a Stop sign to allow a boy to cross the road, from the path from Rye Rec, to the sidewalk in front of Resurrection. The crossing guard was looking at me to make sure I saw him. Before he had a chance to turn his head to make sure no one was coming from the opposite direction, the boy (fiddling with his iPod) stepped into the road – and suddenly I saw a large SUV barreling down the road. The driver didn’t even slow down at the crosswalk, but hurtled right through it. I gasped and threw my hands over my eyes, because it looked as though the boy was likely at least to get clipped by the car. Thank God the car missed him, but one more step and it would have been tragedy. I doubt the driver even saw him until after she passed him; in my rearview mirror I saw her come to a stop afterwards, but she had not hit the boy and other cars were coming, so I assume she continued on. As you can imagine, it was horrifying.

 

I am still shaken. This is the best time of all to remind people of three CRUCIAL safety precautions:

 

Drivers – From 7:30 to 8:15 AM, NO vehicle should go more than a maximum of 15 miles per hour down Milton Road anywhere from Christ’s Church almost to Playland Parkway. There are too many children walking to school. Don’t text! Don’t talk on your cell phones! Pay Attention! The driver was probably distracted for a few seconds, and it almost resulted in tragedy.

 

Parents – remind your children that crossing the street is dangerous. Even if there’s a crosswalk, even if there’s a crossing guard, they are still responsible for their own safety! Children, if it’s somebody else’s fault, but you get hit anyway, you’re still injured or worse. Pay attention every single time you cross the street! Take out your earbuds so you can hear the crossing guard when you’re preparing to cross.

 

I’m not faulting the crossing guard in this incident – it was a split second issue. But the crossing guards should attempt to make eye contact with oncoming students or call to them, to make sure they know when it is safe to cross.

 

Not every accident can be avoided – but this was a nightmare-inducing incident that should never have happened. If that car had hit the boy, not only would it have been tragic for the boy, but the driver of the car would have been scarred forever. Please, PLEASE, parents and children, remember – roads are dangerous.

 

Sincerely,

 

Cindy Kuster

A Salute to Our DPW

 

Dear Editor,

 

My name is David Vogler and I am a resident of Rye. I am writing to publicly offer my thanks to a group of city employees who deserve credit for a job well done.

 

All too often it seems that Rye residents speak up only when there are complaints. In my case, it is the opposite. I am grateful for the efforts of our Public Works Department.

 

I live next to the empty lot on Hewlett Avenue that is owned by the city.

 

This lot is filled with many dangerous trees that are hazardous liabilities to us all, especially the children who walk to school past my house. During Hurricane Sandy, many of these trees crashed onto my property causing damage.

 

Recently, Craig Casterella and his team removed a few of the offending trees that threatened my property. Although there are a number of potentially dangerous trees still standing, it appears that the risk has been reduced.

 

I’d like to specifically commend Craig, Patrick, and their crew for their professionalism and expertise. They were proactive, courteous, and efficient. I appreciate their help. I salute each and every Rye employee.

 

Sincerely,

 

David Vogler