Student hit in Plum Street crosswalk

On Aug. 23 at the intersection of 13th and Plum Street, Ashley Griffith, HCC student, was hit by a car.
Hutchinson Police report that Griffith was sitting on the curb when the EMS arrived. She then was taken to the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for treatment. The accident happened on Plum Street, which separates the campus and the new parking lot. There are two points to cross from that lot, across Plum to campus.
One is at 12th Street and the other one at 13th Street. The 12th Street crosswalk has yellow lights that flash when students are crossing, as well as warning signs. The crosswalk at 13th Street has signs, but no flashing lights. Steve Dunmire, head of security on campus, heard the police dispatch on his radio and got to the scene right away.
“She was in pain,” Dunmire said. “She had an abrasion on the head and the EMS immobilized her right arm.”
Despite some rumors around campus, it was not a hit and run. The driver stayed there and showed concern for the young lady. Valery Avery, 47,  was cited for failure to yield to a pedestrian and inattentive driving, according to the police report.

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Dr. Carter File, president of Hutchinson Community College, talked  about the accident.
“I was concerned about the young lady, of course; it’s a terrible thing to happen to anyone,” File said. “I am feeling sympathy for her.”
When the parking lot on Plum street was planned to be built, the college had the intention to get signal lights on the crosswalk.
“We asked the city to approve a crosswalk light several months ago,” File said. The city still hasn’t given the approval.
On the day of the accident File again called the city to ask about  crosswalk lights. “They were understanding and concerned about what had happened,” he said. Once the city approves the light, the college will have to fund it, he said.

There may be concerns by the city that Plum would have too many stops for motorists. When asked if he worried about public opinion about another crossing light, File’s answer was straight forward. “Not a bit. It is not a matter of public opinion; it is about the safety of the students and faculty.”

There may be concerns by the city that Plum would have too many stops for motorists.

When asked if he was worried about the public opinion about another crossing light, File’s answer was straight forward. “Not a bit. It is not a matter of public opinion; it is about the safety of the students and faculty.”

They are hoping to get the approval for the crosswalk light before the end of this fall semester.

It is important to be reminded that even if cars are required to stop for pedestrian anywhere and at anytime, it is better be safe than getting hurt.

It is the driver’s fault in any accident on a cross-walk, but stop before stepping out. Be careful and watch for cars that might come speeding through just as you are crossing.

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