Pedestrian Hit in Crosswalk at E. Broad and Elm Streets

A 70-year-old Scotch Plains woman was struck by a Westfield motorist shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 12 at the intersection of East Broad and Elm Streets.

Reid Edles, president of the , said the victim did not wish to be transported to the hospital. 

A relative of the woman who was struck contacted Patch and said that the victim, while initially "banged up and limping," was "nearly back to herself" four days later.

The driver, 58, who was making a left turn from E. Broad onto Elm Street, was issued a summons for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. 

Westifield Police Capt. Cliff Auchter said the fine for this offense can vary as it is determined by a judge in cases of motor vehicle accidents with injuries. 

According to the crash investigation report, the driver stated that while making a left turn from E. Broad onto Elm St., "a pedestrian walked in front of her vehicle." The pedestrian stated that while attempting to cross Elm Street westbound in a marked crosswalk with the right of way that she was struck by the vehicle, a Honda Pilot, making a left turn.

On Tuesday, July 10, Patch asked readers if the that requires motorists to stop rather than simply yield to pedestrians in crosswalks was making any difference in Westfield.

The following are the results of the question: Are motorists and pedestrians exercising caution with regard to crosswalks?

• Yes, both are observing the law. 10 (10%)
• I think motorists should be more careful. 16 (17%)
• I think pedestrians should be more careful. 22 (23%)
• No, I don't think drivers and pedestrians are observing the law. 31 (33%)
• I don't think this law has had any impact. 9 (9%)
• I'll tell you what I think in the comments. 4 (4%)

Total votes: 92

Patch readers on the poll were nearly evenly divided as to who bears the greater responsibility when it comes to crosswalk safety, drivers or pedestrians.