5 Replies to "Man gets off bus, gets hit by car in Highland Park"

• Mac Mintaka May 9, 2009 (8:59 pm)

  As a former bus driver, I would like to take this moment to warn y’all that when you get off the bus you need to be more careful where you’re looking or walking.

  For years I saw near-miss after near-miss as distracted pedestrians nearly clashed with distracted drivers.

  I know this case involves an alleged DUI but the advice to pedestrians remains the same.

• cbgirl May 11, 2009 (12:08 am)

  The guy who got hit is my roommate. He has multiple injuries (including a very badly broken leg), but thankfully not life-threatening. Very thankful, it could have been fatal!

• Michael May 11, 2009 (1:30 am)

  We don’t know the circumstances here – for all we know, the driver might have even jumped the curb.
  .
  That said, I second Mac’s plea – pedestrians, BE AWARE as you walk! I can’t tell you how many times I see pedestrians who seem to be trying NOT to look at oncoming traffic, even as drivers try to squeeze by before the ped “gets to their lane”. In many cases, it seems to be willful. (I can tell you when I’m in the crosswalk I’m looking drivers in the EYE.)
  .
  Unfortunately, drunk/distracted/cell-phone-talking drivers don’t notice you not looking – you have to notice THEM.

• Snow May 11, 2009 (7:17 pm)

  I didn’t see this first hand, but it happened right in front of my house. My partner is the one who called 911. I came downstairs a little after 10 pm and saw the front door hanging open, I got outside to see a great neighbor response on the street. People had already brought out towels for his bleeding head, and a blanket to put over him, and were directing traffic around him until the police could show up and take over.

  I heartily second the endorsement for being more careful when crossing streets. It doesn’t matter if the driver is at fault legally, it’s just not worth the risk of major injury or death.

  I lived on Capitol Hill for years, and learned that the best thing you can do is make eye contact with the drivers, so that you know they see you. You don’t have to look as if you’re asking permission to cross. I was/am an aggressive pedestrian, I’ll give them a hard stare that’s more demanding they stop or slow down. But this is only when I’ve assessed their speed and awareness of me. I’m not gonna risk my safety just because I legally have right of way.

  This in no way means I think the victim here was at fault. And I sincerely hope that he recovers quickly to full health and mobility. I’m very glad to hear that his injuries are not life-threatening.

  This is more of a wake up call/warning for everyone. Pay attention!

  ~Snow

  P.S. The driver did not jump the curb. He may have been “under the influence” of something that slowed his response time, and he might have been speeding, but nothing off street happened, and he did stop and pull over immediately and he stayed there and waited for the cops.

• Joy May 27, 2009 (11:06 pm)

  I am writing in response to the previous comment made by Snow. I want to personally thank you, your partner, and fellow neighbors who tended to my brother during this incident. It is good to know that decent people like yourselves were there to comfort him during such a horrific experience. Unfortunately he is still in tremendous pain, but is healing. Again, thank you!

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