Quote:
Originally Posted by Brendone
Some need harder lessons. I was one of them. Parents constantly told us to watch both ways, make eye contact with the driver, etc. but above all your the first line of defence in your own safety. I got complacent on our quiet street and tore out of the driveway into the street on my Green Machine (coolest toy ever) and almost got smoked by a car. Fortunately he stopped in time. Turned out to be a police officer coming to see the chief who lived on our street. He gave me a pleasant talking to about what I did, then walked me to the door to explain what happened to my Mom. That didn’t end up as pleasant after he left. Needless to say, that was the lesson that finally drilled home the need to be aware. Parents didn’t advocate for lower speeds. I was an idiot and was going to learn one way or another.
I would like to think that lesson has saved me countless times in the future. I don’t have my head down texting at cross walks, I still look both ways, make eye contact, etc. I’m in charge of my safety. The world should not be bubble wrapped to save us from becoming self aware.
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I've complained about this a lot, I know its harder now with cell phones and headphones, etc.
But I live sandwiched between a Jr. High and an Elementary school so I'm hyper-aware at all times because you just never know, but we need to teach...not just kids, but everyone, how to be good pedestrians.
Because giving pedestrians the uncontested 'right of way' is stupid. It makes it so people think they can just walk into the street and traffic will magically stop because 'they have the right of way.'
Well being 'right' is small consolation when you're in the hospital in traction or dead.
This is not a one-way deal, no motorist wants to hit a pedestrian and no pedestrian wants to get hit by a car, but everyone has to do their bit.