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Masked pirate reminds Boise drivers to put phones down

People waving signs along roadways are fairly common, but a masked “pirate" encouraging motorists to put their phones down was a surprising morning sight for Boise drivers passing the Idaho Transportation Department Headquarters building May 18.

Captain Crosswalk and his flag spent more than an hour marching up and down sidewalks near the busy highway reminding drivers to avoid a common distraction – their phones. The crusader’s flag read “PUT YE PHONE DOWN” on one side and “TRUTH, JUSTICE AND THE RIGHT OF WAY” on the other side.

Though masked, apparently to conceal a secret identity, this safety advocate did not interfere with traffic and ensured that he would be seen, sporting an orange ensemble complete with retro-reflective vest. His plastic pirate sword also doubled as a crossing flag.

ITD posted a photograph of the safety advocate at work to the department’s Twitter and Facebook accounts with the note “You can’t argue with the message.” As of the following Thursday, there were 6,425 views and 32 shares or retweets.

Captain Crosswalk makes another appearance on the Idaho Statehouse steps for the proclamation of May 2016 as Idaho's Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety and Awareness Month.