During the first weekend of the North Dakota State Fair, there have been some lucky fairgoers. Lucky in that they weren't run over by careless motorists.
We witnessed firsthand a family nearly run over crossing Burdick Expressway directly in front of the fairgrounds when the driver of a vehicle ignored the red lights and the other stopped vehicles and sped through the sea of people trying to cross the street.
We know it happens every year during the fair and the Norsk Hstfest, but let this very near miss serve as a reminder to motorists and pedestrians alike: Be careful.
Motorists, please pay attention to the traffic lights in the area of the fairgrounds. We know it's been a confusing year since the flood damaged traffic signals in that area, and the signal directly in front of the fair's main gate was repaired only last week. But there are other temporary signs warning motorists of pedestrian traffic both east and west of the fairgrounds. Please heed the posted speed limits.
Pedestrians, please be extra alert and wary of vehicles while you're crossing any street near the fairgrounds, and keep young children close by when near vehicles. Even though most motorists are keeping an eye out of pedestrians, there's always someone looking to get through an intersection at the last moment or get somewhere faster than they need should.
Minot streets are busier than ever right now, with the growing population and with the State Fair drawing thousands of visitors to town every day. Let's not let a careless moment from a driver or a pedestrian make the 2012 State Fair memorable for the wrong reason.