New signals mark busy crosswalks Published Jan. 3, 2011 By Master Sgt. Bruce Perkins 446th Airlift Wing Safety Office MCCHORD FIELD, Wash., -- McChord Field has recently installed flashing signs at five crosswalk locations, to include the active crosswalk between 446th Airlift Wing headquarters and the 446th Mission Support Group headquarters. Most of the new crosswalk signs are at intersections with uncontrolled crosswalks or in one instance, at a curve. An uncontrolled crosswalk is one where traffic does not have to stop unless a pedestrian is present. Lt. Col. Kevin Welin, 446th AW Chief of Safety, has pursued improving the safety of these crosswalks for about one and a half years. There is significant foot traffic across Barnes Boulevard between Bldg. 1214, the wing headquarters building, and Bldgs. 1205 and 1207. Additionally, the increased speed limit from 30 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour on Barnes Boulevard put in place at the beginning of 2010 has increased accident probability between pedestrians and vehicles "Our overall pedestrian safety has been degraded. We've had more than a few of our members involved in close calls at each of these intersections," said Colonel Welin. When cars collide with pedestrians, there is high potential for serious bodily injury or even death. As a pedestrian, you have a responsibility to ensure traffic is clear before stepping into the crosswalk. If you see a vehicle coming, ensure you make eye contact with the driver and the driver acknowledges your right-of-way before you cross the street. Drivers need to keep an eye out for pedestrians at all times, and particularly at crosswalks. Yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian.