City of Springfield says more drivers are yielding to pedestrians

Springfield Yields, the city of Springfield's pedestrian safety program says more drivers are yielding to pedestrians at cross-walks.

They say there was a four percent improvement in drivers slowing for walkers since April.

Trent Sims says he is a driver, walker and bicyclist in Springfield. He says he isn't surprised to hear that drivers are slowing down for pedestrians because he knows people want to do the right thing.

But, he does say drivers aren't the only ones who need to be made aware on the roadways.

"Its definitely a two way street, I see a lot of people on bikes who aren't necessarily following the rules of the road either or people don't always use crosswalks so I think everyone is to blame in any situation and we all have to be aware of the rules and follow them accordingly," said Sims.

He says he has an idea on how to help make the streets safer for everyone.

"It would be cool to embrace a complete street kind of a thing where more people rode buses or walked to work or we even had mixed income zoning where we all live in closer proximity to our employment," said Sims.

Mike Thomas says he visits the square in downtown Springfield often. He says he sees the older generations stopping for people, whereas others do not.

He thinks adding a flashing light to signs could be beneficial for drivers.

Sims thinks adding more sidewalks could entice people to use them more.