n In the article about the College of Engineering freshman Wesley Griswold, who was hit by a car on Commonwealth Avenue (“ENG freshman hospitalized after Comm. Ave accident,” Feb. 7, p. 1), The Daily Free Press quoted the Boston University Police Department Sgt. Jack St. Hilaire as saying “It appeared that speed was not a factor.”
I happened to be waiting at the light in another lane when Griswold was hit, and I, along with the two student witnesses quoted in the article, and most likely dozens of other witnesses, can assure St. Hilaire that speed certainly was a factor.
Unfortunately, as many already know, some drivers see this section of Commonwealth Avenue as a drag-racing strip, an attitude that is incredibly dangerous given the number of students who are crossing or near the road at any given time.
I am extremely grateful to hear that Griswold did not sustain life-threatening injuries, but also extremely dismayed to hear St. Hilaire dismiss the driver’s incredibly reckless behavior, which was obvious to so many witnesses.
It is certainly important for students (or anyone) to be very careful when crossing the street, but it is equally important for the BUPD to show at least some interest in determining what really happened Wednesday, and in addressing the readily apparent problem of reckless driving along Commonwealth Avenue.
Nate Smith
CAS ’07
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