Attention Newtown Moms:

Walk Carefully!

To the Editor:

When my two-year-old daughter and I were leaving Dunkin’ Donuts on Wednesday morning, we had an unnecessary scare in the parking lot. My daughter was skipping to my left, and although I was not holding her hand, she was very close to my side. A vehicle entered from Queen Street and was driving diagonally through the parking lot headed toward CVS. The driver, who saw us walking to our car that was parked very close to the entrance of Dunkin’ Donuts, chose to continue on rather than yield. He had to swerve to avoid any contact with us.

To the gentleman driving the forest green SUV:

I would like to remind you that pedestrians do have the right-of-way, and driving diagonally through parking lots is incorrect. But these rules aside, common sense should tell you that when you see anyone, especially a child, walking within close proximity of your vehicle you should stop. If you are traveling on a main road through a green light and a child runs into the road toward your car, do you have the right to keep driving and hit the child? Of course not. The issue is not whether or not we were holding hands, but that someone could have been injured. I certainly don’t consider myself a “stupid mother,” but rather see you as a very careless driver.

Cathi Kroha

9 Patricia Lane, Newtown                                           May 24, 2000