No matter how many crosswalks, overpasses or any other device designed for pedestrian safety are installed, people will cross traffic lanes where it is convenient for them. The only way to ensure pedestrians cross at designated intersections is to have barriers in place to funnel people to safer crossing areas.

Building an overpass is not the answer. Take for example the overpass at Niceville High School. It has become a plastic cup-filled birthday billboard. Most of the people attending the games cross five lanes of busy traffic while sheriff’s deputies and Niceville police officers stand nearby. The turning lanes on Eglin Parkway from Cinco Bayou to Fort Walton Beach has become an “island of safety” for people too lazy to walk to the nearest stoplight to cross.

I certainly don't want our taxes going to “fix” this problem. The resorts and businesses along these pedestrian-heavy sidewalks should take on this responsibility. After all, they are the reason there’s foot traffic.

Oh, and people really need to learn how to cross a street!

Tony Mercado, Niceville