Four-way stop would foster safety

Friday, Sept. 14 was packed with excitement in the 5000 and 5100 blocks of 7th Avenue.

I first noted a fire truck with flashing lights stopped in front of our parish church, so I went to check it out — as the committee, which I chair, has responsibility for the upkeep and well-being of the church.

The fire truck moved farther west down 7th, where there was a fire in a house on the corner of Grey Street and 7th. Thankfully there were no injuries, but sadly, a family lost their home.

While this was happening, an automobile accident occurred in the 5000 block of 7th Avenue at the corner of Mcintosh Street and 7th Avenue. The collision seemed quite serious, and the intersection was completely blocked off. A person from the car involved was taken away by ambulance.

A woman I was chatting withatthescenetoldmeshe phoned the city several times to see if a four-way stop sign system could be installed at this intersection. She was told that there were not enough people lobbying for this to happen. Over time there have been several collisions at this corner.

We’ve noticed that with the start of this school year there are children required to cross 7th Avenue at this intersection, to gather at a muster point where they wait for the school bus.

Seniors from nearby Benson Manor also cross at this intersection on their way to church services and other events.

Because people tend to speed along 7th Avenue, a four-way stop might tend to make drivers more cognizant of their speed, but most likely will prevent further property damage and make for a safer crossing for children and seniors. On occasion an inebriated person comes speeding along and loses control and crashes into a building (the church).

For those who might read this, I invite you to phone the appropriate city department and lobby (if this is what it takes) for a four-way, stopsign-controlled intersection at Mcintosh Street and 7th Avenue.

Richard Mantyak, Regina