BRATTLEBORO — I can only imagine this headline: Local woman killed while walking on Williams Street. And the story would go on to say:
“Local resident Susan Avery, 66, of Whetstone Drive, was struck and killed on impact this morning while taking her daily early-morning walk. The driver who hit Avery was estimated to be traveling at 55 m.p.h. in a posted 25 m.p.h. zone. Charges are pending.
“This was not her first brush with a moving vehicle. While walking on Canal Street in November 2007, she was struck by a car backing out of driveway, propelling her into the middle of the street. She survived this incident with only a few minor bruises.”
And I could go on. This might be a morbid accounting of my own demise, but I feel compelled to speak out about the speed on this and other local byways in Brattleboro. Even though our town has experienced three pedestrian deaths in the past few years, motorists continue to exceed the speed limit time and again.
What will it take for you and others reading this letter to make a difference in our town?
Brattleboro Police Chief Gene Wrinn has promised a stepped-up patrol presence through the Click It or Ticket program on our streets. We, as residents and taxpayers alike, need to support this effort now.
Speed kills. Spread the word. Don't be a statistic; be a part of the solution.