Four pedestrians killed on Ramon Rd. since June, police aim to increase safety
Safety improvements are coming to a stretch of road in Cathedral City where four pedestrians were killed in recent months.
Most recently, a 50-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a minivan Monday night.
“People (are) just crossing any old place within the middle of the block,” said Carl Brines, a Cathedral City resident. “People wear dark clothes and be out walking at night and especially now that it gets dark so early.”
The victim was taken to the hospital where he later died. Police determined the driver of the minivan was not at fault.
“I think he paid dearly for it,” said Mary Baker, a member of the Cathedral City community. “I mean of course you’re supposed to be in the crosswalk but sometimes you always feel like well you can get across a little quicker if you cross somewhere else.”
Police say it’s a problem that happens all too often.
“It’s been truly tragic, these collisions that have occurred,” said Commander Paul Herrera with Cathedral City Police. “They’re unnecessary. The deaths that have occurred are unnecessary.”
Police said they’re writing more tickets for jaywalking and for unsafe speed for other motorists, as well as creating a heavy presence in the area for focused enforcement.
They’re also working with the city to add signs in English and Spanish directing people to cross at signal-controlled intersections and crosswalks.
Some pointed to speed as a factor.
“That may have been prevented if somebody would have just slow down a little bit,” Baker said. “You need to be able to stop if there’s somebody crossing the street.”
“Everybody has to take responsibility,” Brines said. “Not just people out walking, the people driving, and you have to pay attention at all times.”
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