APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Trying to expand the supervision of two of Appleton’s busiest crosswalks. High definition cameras will soon record every crossing.
The crosswalks are located on College Avenue, connecting sides of the Lawrence University Campus.
Lawrence University Junior Callie Ochs uses these crosswalks at least three times a day.
She tells WLUK most cars stop when they see the lights flashing, but she’s still cautious.
“I always make sure to see if the cars are slowing down and you start to get a sense for that after you’ve crossed the crosswalk long enough.”
Jake Woodford is the assistant to the university president. He told us it’s not uncommon for vehicles to keep driving as students enter the crosswalks.
“Usually reported issues are often about violations in the crosswalks.”
In one specific incident a student was badly hurt when she was hit by a car there in October 2013. That hit and run case is still unsolved and it haunts both the school and the city.
“So it’s incidents like that that certainly play a role as we look for ways to improve safety in the crosswalks,” explained Woodford.
School and city leaders have decided to install high definition cameras in the median.
Woodford says there’s already one in place.
“The cameras are intended to be an additional tool for law enforcement to follow up on issues that happen in the crosswalks.”
Eventually another camera will be placed in the median as well so that east and west traffic can be covered.
And while cars not stopping is a big concern at the crosswalks, there are others.
“Issues like street harassment,” said Woodford.
According to Woodford students have reported drivers yelling out racial slurs and sexual harassment.
“I’ve had lots of friends who’ve gotten cat-called and stuff,” said Ochs.
Ochs says having the cameras provides a sense of comfort.
“It’s nice to know that there’s a camera in case something goes wrong.”
The university is paying for the cameras. The city will install and maintain them.
