Rexburg drivers, pedestrians encouraged to be careful
Rexburg police are warning pedestrians that having the right of way doesn’t prevent them from being hit.
Over the weekend, two people in town were hit by a car while they were crossing the street.
Police say the driver claimed mist on his windshield prevented him from seeing the crosswalk signals and the two people.
The two suffered minor injuries and the driver was given a citation.
Police said these incidents haven’t happened often since the city and Brigham Young University-Idaho invested in state-of-the-art crosswalks.
But they think its time to let drivers know they still have to pay attention even if crosswalk lights aren’t lit.
“Operators of vehicles get complacent,” said Capt. Randy Lewis. “If they don’t see flashing lights, that doesn’t mean they don’t have to stop. They just need to be more aware and slow down at these intersections. Most all these crossings are at an intersection area — they’re not mid-block and things like that. They can assume that there is going to be a crosswalk and pedestrians in the area.”
Police said it’s also important for pedestrians to do their part by stopping before crossing and watching where they’re going to give time for vehicles to pass that are too close to stop.
