Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/285258
designed to catch the eyes of even the most inattentive drivers. Before that, it was easier to grit one's teeth and stop for a couple cross- ing from condos to the Gulf of Mexico side of Midnight Pass Road, because the cross- walk choices were far fewer for them. A n d w h i l e F D O T i n s t a l l e d o n l y s i x crosswalks during that 2012 initiative, care was taken to position them in areas where surveys indicated the greatest demand. We daresay drivers still grit their teeth on many an occasion when they have to stop upon see- ing the lights flash after a person has pushed the button to activate them, but at least a per- son in a vehicle can respect the pedestrian for taking the appropriate steps, literally, to try to ensure a safe crossing. And, yes, we know traffic can get pretty backed up on Beach Road and Midnight Pass Road when a lot of pedestrians are using those crosswalks. Nonetheless, it is better for tourists to remain safe than to have to dodge traffic, hoping drivers in both directions will be kind-hearted enough to stop for them as they clutch beach chairs, umbrellas and cool- ers during their amble across the road. It is understandable that Sheriff's Office dep- uties are reluctant to cite folks who will not use the crosswalks. As one deputy recently noted during a meeting of the Siesta Key Village Association, law enforcement officers want visitors to our county to have a good time — within reason, of course. The goal is not to see them return home with complaints about overly zealous deputies. For that mat- ter, it is far too easy for visitors to make sure all their friends on Facebook know about their bad experiences long before they start the drive or flight back home. And that truly can hurt tourism. S t i l l , a s R o b i n s o n pointed out, there is simply no excuse for any person — especially an able-bodied one — to ignore a crosswalk 50 feet away. To do so is not just to broadcast a sense of laziness or entitlement, it is also a matter of taking one's life into one's hands. Apparently the folks so emboldened do not understand they do not have any inherent pro- tection from the law when they fail to abide by it. In other words, if a driver hits them, the driver more than likely will not face legal recourse, regardless of any resulting injuries to the pedestrians. Commissioner Nora Patterson has suggested the Siesta Key Condominium Council be the entity with which county staff works to set up community meetings to educate people about the importance of using crosswalks. We whole- heartedly endorse that idea. Furthermore, county Communications Department staff, at the county administrator's behest, should work with condominium complex manag- ers and owners of hotels and inns that serve There is simply no excuse for a person to ignore a crosswalk 50 feet away. To do so is not just to broadcast a sense of laziness or entitlement, it is also a matter of taking one's life into one's hands. OPINION Sarasota News Leader March 28, 2014 Page 87