Okay peds… I’m on your side. My gf has used mass transit or walked all her life and has learned me in the ways and hardships of a pedestrian. However, I’m pleading with you to give us drivers a little help.
The other day I was travelling up lacewood (which is dangerous at the best of times) when a girl was trying to cross the street through a cross walk. I know where just about every crosswalk is in the HRM and as usual, slowed down just in case someone was there.
I didn’t see anyone till I went through the crosswalk and there she was standing BEHIND the pole out of sight and gets pissed off at me for not letting her cross. I can’t say that either of us were in the wrong so it’s fine for her to be pissed, but you guys & gals NEED to give us a visual sign that you’re there or we don’t know. You wanna stand behind the pole to protect yourself? That’s cool, but at least hold out a hand or something to indicate that you’re there and want to cross. I’m more than happy to stop for you.
This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2007.
Kudos to you for always slowing down when approaching a crosswalk, just in case. So few drivers would even consider doing so, even if the thought occured to them. Think of the tragedies that could be averted if everyone adopted this practice.Because really, the onus is on motorists to prevent these tragedies. It’s all well and good to say pedestrians should be aware of the dangers. But the thing is, all drivers walk, but not all walkers drive. Many pedestrians have absolutely no idea what it looks like from a driver’s perspective. They really don’t know that you can’t see them. You have probably saved a life or two with your caution.