WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – A mother and daughter are in critical condition after being hit by a car in West Springfield on Sunday and now we’re hearing from drivers and pedestrians in the area about what can be done to keep everyone secure.

There are a few improvements they have in mind, including everything from signs to crosswalks. One thing everyone had in mind is that tragedies like the one we saw on Sunday must be stopped. “It’s so sad, it’s so sad, especially this time of year. Very sad,” said one driver.

The mother and her daughter are expected to live after they were struck by a car at Riverdale Street and Daggett Drive Sunday night. “There are pedestrian crossings here, but it doesn’t seem safe. There is too much traffic,” added a driver.

While this incident is still under investigation by West Springfield Police, we went back near the scene to hear directly from the people driving on the road about what they think needs to be done.

“I don’t know what they can do, but there’s always something you can do to make it safer for pedestrians,” noted one driver.

“I think the ‘No Turn on Red’ sign…the sign should be up here,” another driver added. (Reporter: there must be more signs for drivers?) “Exactly.”

“Just more awareness of where the lights are, people sticking to the sidewalks because a lot of people are blowing them,” said Melanie Horne, who was walking in the area Monday.

Horne puts one foot in front of the other every day to catch the bus. She wants the officials to know this. “The majority of the area is relatively safe. Some of the walkways are broken, some areas cut off for the sidewalks as well, so overall I would probably say we feel half and half are safe,” she explained.

Horne also believes signs with flashing lights that drivers can pay attention to can help.

Regarding the incident with the mother and her daughter, the police ask if you have any information or saw what happened that has reached their traffic bureau.

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