I have the wonderful opportunity to be involved in the production of the Camden News. I am the proofreader and get to read the proofs from first page to last. This creates a mixed blessing for me – I get to know everything that is going on in our community, and I lose the chance to say, “Oh – I didn’t know.” Still, I love being able to volunteer my time to our community newspaper.
I want to share some thoughts about two articles that appeared last month. If you didn’t get a chance to read these articles, you can find them online at the links below.
Vision Zero Action Plan on preventing traffic deaths, severe injuries on City streets
camdennews.org/category/front-page/
This article details the efforts the City of Minneapolis wants to take during the next three years to move toward the goal of ending traffic deaths and injuries on city streets by 2027. This is of great importance to our community because “Traffic crashes disproportionately impact people in neighborhoods with lower incomes, Native American residents, and people walking and bicycling.” Read the article for the changes that could be coming to our neighborhoods.
Part of the plan is to reduce traffic speeds. This needs to be partnered with safety crossing training for pedestrians. Many of us know that people running to catch the bus (either not at the crosswalk or against traffic lights) or walking while using a cell phone create challenges for drivers. Slower speeds can help, but more alert pedestrians will double the chance of lowering injuries and deaths between the two. Additional behavioral changes that could be implemented right now include: Pedestrians and cyclists should try to make eye contact with drivers before entering the intersection after a traffic light changes. Even if the pedestrian/cyclist has the right of way, they could be right… in the hospital. Don’t go out after sundown wearing all dark colors. As a driver, it is difficult to slow down for a pedestrian if they can’t be seen. Wearing a white or light-colored hat or jacket, putting reflective tape on your clothing, or carrying a flash light to make yourself more visible to drivers is very important.
Niema Broadnax wrote an article titled “October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month”
camdennews.org/2019/10/october-is-national-domestic-violence-awareness-month/
This article uses the shooting of Justine Ruszczyk by Minneapolis Police Officer Noor to point out the risk of minimizing the possibility of domestic violence in 911 calls. The author points out that in this case, Justine’s call was categorized as “…’unknown trouble: female screaming’—a relatively low priority.” The article calls us to increase our awareness to those being victimized as well as the harm done to their families.
I have an additional request for our readers. If you have young children, teach them that playing should not include screaming. A few years ago, I heard screaming down the alley from me. My instinct was to go and help whoever was being hurt. When I got down the alley, I found a group of pre-teen girls “playing” in the neighbor’s back yard. Kids will be kids, but we must teach our children that screaming is for extreme emergencies and not for playing. It is the best way to ensure that help will come running when a serious scream is heard.
That’s just two articles that sparked my interest last month. Take the time to read the Camden News. You’ll be amazed at what you know when you get done. 😊