Seattle’s talking crosswalks are keeping residents awake

The simple push of a button is the reason some Seattle residents aren’t able to sleep at night.

Crosswalk speakers are too loud, they say.

“I have no problem with the installation of these,” Sara Elloway told KIRO 7. “I think it’s great for improving safety in the city, but I don’t think it should affect the quality of life for the people living around here. And just a little bit of tuning on what’s existing could be a great improvement”

Because of the warm weather Seattle is experiencing, it’s especially bothersome to people relying on the gentle breeze to keep their homes cool.

They are obnoxious, KIRO Radio’s Jason Rantz pointed out. Rantz took a stroll the other day and was startled at how loud the speaker volume was.

“It frightened me,” he said. “I’m not used to these things talking back to you.”

Rantz takes no issue with the purpose of the speakers. They are meant for safety. But perhaps they could be turned down some?

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“This is an interesting problem to have because if it’s not loud enough, it’s worthless,” he said.

Maybe instead of turning the speakers down, the people who live near them should consider another place to live. It’s a city, Rantz pointed out. People should expect things to be louder in a city.

So should there be sympathy for the people who have to hear the signs every day?

“At what point do we say, well, you signed up to live here?” Rantz asked.