To the editor:

“Amen!” to the letter by Mr. Mitchell (Public Forum, Feb. 12), regarding the spiral effect of non-enforcement of laws. I’d like to speak to the issue of those running red traffic signals.

Of those drivers who run red lights, I wonder how many, as pedestrians, see every light as green. I’d guess a very small percentage of vehicular accidents at controlled intersections are caused by drivers who, as pedestrians, conscientiously wait for the light to change to green.

When I’ve asked police officers what the policy is about pedestrians crossing on red, they tell me enforcement is at the “officer’s discretion.” I haven’t met one who had the “discretion” to inform the person that there is no distinction between the law for drivers and pedestrians.

If police officers are going to cite Mr. Gilmore for “making an improper pedestrian crossing,” (not just battery of an officer), should they not at least issue warnings to pedestrians crossing on red? And if it is so crucial that children be buckled in car seats, should it not be pointed out to parents crossing on red, with children in tow, the bad example they are setting?

Keeping the streets safe from red-light runners should begin at the pedestrian crosswalks.