Accident Has Some Demanding McKinney Crosswalk Changes
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McKINNEY (CBSDFW.COM) - It's a historic Collin County location that preserves the past, but does it pose a present danger to people who work and shop there? After a car hits a little girl some people are calling for changes to crosswalks in McKinney's town square.
Most people can't even tell pedestrians are even in a crosswalk. There are no lights or signs to warn passing traffic. Its crosswalks like those, especially after Monday's frightening accident, that has people in McKinney worried.
Shirley Hudspeth's motorized wheelchair is no match for the bigger vehicles she often dodges in downtown McKinney. "It can be dangerous," she said. "It's just unnerving to see it and say, 'Well. Whoa, why didn't you stop?'"
Hudspeth, a downtown business owner, has had her share of near misses especially at crosswalks. "There's always the fools that just come racing through the square."
It was in the middle of one pedestrian crossing on Monday where nine-year-old Emmy Patin was struck and seriously injured. The accident has some businesses calling for signs or lights at several unmarked crosswalks – ones that are only noticeable because they are lined with bricks.
Matt Peoples is the general manager of the Mellow Mushroom, a pizzeria in McKinney square. "I would really like to see some speed bumps or something to deter some of the traffic and slow it down just a little bit."
The 54-year-old suspected drunk driver, William Weir, was arrested and on Monday told CBS 11 News from jail that he didn't notice the child was crossing the street.
"This one just came out of nowhere, out of the blue, right in the front in my truck," he claimed.
Officials with the City of McKinney say some crosswalks are not marked because of low speed limits or narrow roads.
City spokesperson Anna Clark sent a statement that said, in part -
"When all of the information on this incident is available, the staff will review the crosswalk and others like it to determine if a change or update is needed."
Some residents want changes now, concerned that some else will get hurt. "It wouldn't hurt to put a big slow sign or a speed limit sign or something."
The city says Monday's accident was the first anyone can remember.
Fortunately, Emmy Patin is recovering well from her head injury, has been released from the hospital, and is back home with her family.
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