Disabled seniors say they are afraid to use crosswalk on Mustang Road

By Jon Watje
Managing Editor

Crossing a street may not seem that big of a deal for some, but for others it is a challenge.

Mustang resident Sherree Price said she is having trouble crossing Mustang Road, even when using the crosswalk at E. Trade Center Terrace.

“I am a disabled senior and live at the Strawberry Fields assisted living center and I am having a lot of trouble crossing the street,” Price said. “Even with signs and the markings on the road, people are not slowing down and I have almost been ran over.”

Price uses a motorized scooter to help her get around town. She said she is not the only one having problems crossing the road.

“I know several other people who are having the same problems,” she said. “We would like to cross the road to eat at some of the other restaurants.”

Price said one time she tried to use the crosswalk on Mustang Road, drivers even yelled at her to move off the road.

“I had one woman shout at me to get off the road or I would get hit,” she said. “I don’t think a lot of people are even aware there is a crosswalk there because they are not even slowing down.”

According to state statutes, vehicles must yield the right-of-way, slow down or stop if needed to yield to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling. The statutes also state that whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear should not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.

“Because there are laws in place, officers can enforce them when they observe a violation,” said Mustang Police Det. Camie McNeil.

Price moved to Mustang from Enid three years ago to be closer to her family.

“It is growing so fast and it is a great community,” she said. “I just hope more people are aware of the crosswalk there and slow down for pedestrians.”