- Carmel Mountain Road & Rancho Carmel Drive
- Mira Mesa Boulevard & Black Mountain Road
- World Trade Drive at the stop sign near the pet grooming store and across from the condominiums (the back entrance to the shopping center
The rationale for my concern is based upon the following:
- the concrete islands and dividers are not intended for pedestrian navigation and do not allow for safe clearance of SUV, EMS and commercial truck door mirrors when someone is panhandling on them. In addition, these intersections are not illuminated at night and the person panhandling is at greater risk secondary to decreased driver visibility. The persons panhandling are not the only population at serious risk for injury, motorists and their passengers are also at increased risk.
- some motorists are briefly ignoring a green light to give the person panhandling change, thus increasing local traffic congestion. This reason is far less important in my analysis, but is noted for your consideration.
As a healthcare professional and concerned citizen I applaud driver generosity by giving money, but patronizing panhandling at these intersections on thin concrete islands and dividers is dangerous for all involved. Although no comprehensive national study has been conducted to date, ''The Austin Chronicle'' published that 17 panhandlers were killed when hit by motor vehicles in Austin, Texas from January 1st to September 2, 2007 alone.
Please contact the San Diego Police Department at (858) 484-3154 if you live in the 858 area code to note similar concerns for the safety of these persons. All persons deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, including those less fortunate who place themselves and others in danger by panhandling at these busy locations. I am sincerely concerned for their safety and that of the motorists who pass by. Thank you.
Very respectfully, James Reilly RN, BSN, CEN, CNOR