I am so very saddened by the recent traffic incident near my home. I didn’t know the young woman who was killed by a drunk driver as she was cycling home. But, I could have. I see CHOP and UPenn workers walking and biking the neighborhood daily. Videos of the July 17 incident are horrendous. She was thrown 20 feet into the air. The 68-year old driver had a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit. He was attempting to pass another vehicle by veering into the bike lane. He slammed into her and three vehicles. He also lives nearby, at 20th and Locust. He’s been charged with vehicular homicide. But, what comfort is this for the family and friends of the young woman? I cannot imagine the hurt and loss.

On the same day a 38-year-old man was struck and killed in Kensington by a driver under the influence of opioids; the driver has been charged as well. A third victim of a drunk driver occurred in Germantown that day; that victim was hospitalized in critical condition. That driver fled the scene, but was found and is now in custody.

ALL HAPPENED IN ONE DAY!

Cycling advocates are clamoring for better protection of bike lanes. That’s important, but at the heart of the problem is people driving recklessly and under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Today, in the Philadelphia Inquirer, a story called on the City of Philadelphia for better protection from “traffic-related injuries and death.” Written by two friends of the resident who was killed in center city, they addressed the Complete Streets program; unfortunately, the funding for this project is questionable.

I agree that “Traffic safety is a major public health issue.” I walk every day in the city and I am always wary and often fearful. So many drivers are going at excessive speeds. I worry that a car can jump a curb just as my dog and I are attempting to cross a street. Another opinion was published today in the Philadelphia Inquirer on the same topic. Both opinions mentioned cuts in the city’s budget for Vision Zero, a community effort to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries.

We call them ‘accidents’ but reckless driving and driving under the influence is a choice. Drivers can choose to stay within speed limits, to PAY ATTENTION to their surroundings. Drivers can choose to not get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated. I understand that intoxicants impair judgment and leads to bad choices. I understand that addiction is as much an illness as it is a choice. I want to say, “Just DON’T do it!” I know that’s easier said than done.