The intersection in Minneapolis at Essex Street SE and Oak Street SE is a main route for University of Minnesota students and is extremely dangerous. The intersection lacks a crosswalk or a stop sign and thus is unsafe for pedestrians. 

The main concern at this intersection is the safety of the pedestrians and specifically the University of Minnesota students who walk this route daily. The surrounding area is filled with students who walk across this unsafe intersection to get to class regularly. This intersection is highly trafficked with those who work and live in this area. Frequently, cars are slamming on the brakes in order to allow pedestrians to cross in attempt to avoid accidents, but they are not always successful. The lack of safety measures at this intersection is not only unsafe for pedestrians, but is also a danger zone for drivers. 

Pedestrians and drivers should not be at danger when going about their daily lives and should never have to cross an unsafe intersection. This is a pertinent issue that needs to be addressed for the safety of the surrounding community. A proper solution to ensure safety at the intersection of Essex Street and Oak Street could be a stop sign, a crosswalk or any other proper action strictly enforced by the the City of Minneapolis.

Megan Rauschnot is a student at the University of Minnesota.

This letter to the editor has been lightly edited for style and clarity.