Pocono News Section

Injured Crossing Guard Speaks Out

Injured Crossing Guard Speaks Out - Friday, January 30, 2009 at 5:51PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Friday, Jan 30, 2009 @ 05:51pm EST

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY -- Ed Martin relies on a walker to get around his home. But less than a month ago, he was walking kids across the street when he was hit by a car.

"All I know is I went out there to protect those kids and get them across the street," said Martin, who turns 80 in April. "I turned around and saw just the side view of a car coming at me. I tried to get out of the way."

"I tried to scream for Mr. Martin, but he didn't hear me," said Mary Valles, who was waiting with her son when Martin tried to help them cross Coal Street. "It happened so quickly. There was nothing he could do anyway."

Martin was hit after he stepped off the curb, and police reports show the impact carried him 46 feet up the street. Despite having four broken ribs, a broken nose, and severe abrasions, Martin's concern was with the children.

"I wanted them to be protected," said Martin. "And I wanted to know if they were alright."

Nobody else was hurt, but Martin was hit at this same intersection in 1998, and he doesn't want anyone else getting hurt in the future.

"A crossing guard is supposed to be a symbol of safety," he said, "But the drivers just don't want you in their way."

He wants the crosswalk lines painted, signs and blinking lights added, and the speed limit lowered. He plans on eventually getting back to work as a crossing guard.

"I lot of other people don't think I can do it," Martin said. "But I'd like to keep going and preserve the lives of these kids."

And he'll get that chance in a few months, if he has any control over his road to recovery.