Jul 9, 2015 2 min read

With all the construction taking place on interstate highways and other roads, traffic through Washington has noticeably increased. Something is happening more frequently at busy intersections in the city that’s slowing down that traffic and creating dangerous situations, and that something is very much avoidable.

We’re referring to the solicitation for donations at stoplights, and we wonder why there’s no restriction for this practice.

Drivers at busy intersections on Beau and Main streets, and even at West Chestnut and Jefferson Avenue, are being approached by members of clubs and athletic teams, cheerleaders, Washington & Jefferson College students and volunteers for various charitable organizations, cans in hand. The traffic that builds up as drivers dig around for loose change is one thing; but of greater concern is that many of these solicitors are children, darting into the street and dodging moving vehicles in the quest for coins and dollar bills.

It’s just a matter of time before one of these kids or adults is seriously hurt or killed.

There are other ways to raise money that are more productive and educational than begging at street corners. Car washes are a good example; they provide a service at a reasonable cost and are unobtrusive.

People need to eat, and selling hoagies fills stomachs and coffers. We wish the adult supervisors of these programs could be more creative in their fundraising efforts. Why not find a business or corporate sponsor willing to make a donation in return for litter being picked up or weeds pulled?

In the interest of public safety, we urge the city to consider restrictions on this activity.