Tragic decisions

I am profoundly saddened and outraged by Lisa Styles' death after being struck at a historically dangerous intersection in Mt. Lebanon ("Woman Dies After Being Struck by SUV," June 30). Mrs. Styles was struck while crossing the street with two of her children in broad daylight, with Mrs. Styles clad in neon yellow and the children in a neon yellow stroller. What more she could have done to avert disaster is hard to imagine.

I can imagine, however, that the state, municipality and driver could have chosen to do many things to prevent this catastrophe. First, the state permitted Benjamin Cope to drive, although he has repeatedly failed to demonstrate his ability to safely abide by the rules of the road.

Next, the municipality has chosen not to mark this popular walking route with a crosswalk and pedestrian crossing sign, despite numerous accidents. The state has determined that it is "impossible" to place a traffic light where Mrs. Styles was killed. Additionally, the municipality, which annually issues hundreds of citations for underage drinking, recently chose not to support a committee of resident experts on substance abuse prevention.

And the final outrage: that Mr. Cope, a product of the community, appears to have chosen to ignore warnings he certainly heard before -- that speeding, running stop signs and driving while high are dangerous -- since police believe this is how this tragedy happened.

Three children will now grow up without their mother but with memories of her horrifying final moments. The state, municipality and everyone in our community must face the fact that this tragedy could have been avoided if even one of the decision makers had made a better choice.

REBECCA MORRIS-CHATTA
Mt. Lebanon