Home › Forums › West Seattle Rants & Raves › RANT – Let’s try and not kill anyone in a crosswalk this year
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March 6, 2009 at 4:21 am #590002
crm4444ParticipantInside a span of 10 minutes, I was nearly hit twice by different drivers while jogging around Alki and Beach Drive this afternoon. The first driver (red, late 80’s Toyota Tercel) thought it apt to speed through the corner right on front of me at 61st and Beach to get to whatever important thing they needed to get to. Thanks for the 3 feet of clearance from your high speed maneuver. The second driver at 63rd and Alki (white mid 90’s Hyundai) thought it would be ok to drive through the intersection and crosswalk while simultaneously searching under the passenger side seat for whatever he had dropped. Let’s try and at least keep your head above the dashboard while driving.
Seriously, people. It’s getting warmer. There will be more of us in crosswalks. I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve been nearly hit by someone talking on a phone, texting, reading, playing with pets, yelling at kids, preening in their rear view, perfecting their latte or doing anything other than paying attention to the world around them. If you’re distracted, do our fine community a favor, pull over and put your foot on the brake until you get your world straightened out.
To be completely fair, there are some things that pedestrians can do to help the situation. Here are a few ideas:
DO use crosswalks and flags.
DON’T dart across the street between intersections, from behind parked cars.
DO Wear bright clothing or reflective gear, especially at night.
DO Proceed in front of cars quickly.
DON’T Stare down a driver to make a point.
DO Make eye contact with the driver. Your non-verbal communication to each other will help signal your intentions, and save problems.
[Optional]
Do wave politely, and smile.
I sincerely hope the WSB doesn’t have to report another crosswalk accident this year.
Thanks.
March 6, 2009 at 4:48 am #659662
IrukandjiParticipantNice note, CRM.
March 6, 2009 at 3:53 pm #659663
austinMemberGood post. I was just hit in the middle of a crosswalk last night in pioneer square by a cell phone operator attempting to maneuver her subaru. I think it freaked her out to hit someone because she really gunned it after I hit the pavement. I was fortunate that she slowed down for the turn she was making as she couldn’t have been going more than ten or fifteen mph, but seriously, hit and run? It’s not even summer yet.
March 6, 2009 at 4:01 pm #659664
JoBParticipantMarch 6, 2009 at 4:23 pm #659665
austinMemberI was happy to be able to wake up to the boy cat mowing at me for an early breakfast today for sure. I am thankful to be packaged in a largeish frame with a high degree of impact resistance; I’ve been hit by cars before and likely will again. Honestly I’d rather it be me than someone trying to get their first thursday on with a date or something, but ideally pedestrians shouldn’t need stunt doubles.
March 6, 2009 at 5:08 pm #659666
JoBParticipantMarch 6, 2009 at 10:24 pm #659667
StarskyectMemberriding my bike I was hit and knocked off the bike. by a west seattle high school student as she was driven out of the parking lot. she was shocked then LOL!! like hell about it and when i asked her to at least say sorry. i turned to get my ten speed, she took off speeding towards PCC . I would love to see her in that red car again. she could have cared less
March 6, 2009 at 10:41 pm #659668
JoBParticipanti find the lack of responsibility very disturbing.
i know that things happen sometimes even to the best of us.. but i can’t excuse someone who doesn’t stop to take responsibility.
March 6, 2009 at 11:39 pm #659669
flowerpetalMemberLet’s not try to kill anyone in or out of crosswalks this year. I don’t want to take a count of the fatalities in WS by cars striking pedestrians but I can think of a few (one dearly) who was not in a crosswalk.
Starskyect, Austin, crm4444, I am happy that you are all well and in one piece.
March 7, 2009 at 12:19 am #659670
BobLoblawParticipantI say we change this to a RAVE for awareness. Speaking from personal experience, knowing that you are in the right as a pedestrian and assuming the car will stop (I’ll teach them!) is the #1 worst piece of advice I can offer. Human being vs. 2,500-pound car always has the same outcome, no matter who is right. Be right. But first, be careful!
March 7, 2009 at 12:29 am #659671
JenVMemberamen BobLoblaw – as a wise man once said: “I had the right of way” is a lousy thing to have on your headstone.
BTW, if you are concerned about any crosswalks in the area and their visibility, make a report to the DOT. I did, and they were surprisingly responsive!
March 7, 2009 at 1:23 pm #659672
JimmyGMemberAnd may I add that there needs to be more education to the drivers out there on what IS a crosswalk.
ALL intersections, that means even if there’s not nice painted white lines on the road is in fact a crosswalk, and drivers are required to stop for pedestrians there.
I cross California in numerous places and I can’t count the number of drivers who flip me off or ignore me when I’m trying to cross.
As a driver, every corner you come upon is a legal crosswalk if a pedestrian is there waiting to cross.
March 7, 2009 at 6:50 pm #659673
JoBParticipantMarch 7, 2009 at 7:19 pm #659674
JustSarahParticipantYes JimmyG you are absolutely right. I had this problem when I lived just off Avalon… nearly missed my AM bus many times waiting for a break in traffic since no one ever stopped. Now I’m south of Morgan Junction and have to cross coming home from the bus in the evening. We’ve only lived here six weeks and already I’ve lost count of the number of soccer moms in overpriced SUVs who’ve given me dirty looks for waiting patiently to cross the street. Ugh. Can’t wait until Spring so I can go back to my trusty scoot (and getting tailed by men in giant trucks who feel their masculinity’s threatened by my vehicle.)
March 7, 2009 at 7:38 pm #659675
StarskyectMemberwest seattle is getting busyer ..dah. been here all my life and im very aware when riding.
but when I student is driving out of a school parking lot (((fast))) like she did and knocks me off my ten speed and then lol, somthings wrong and then speeds off…
i hope you all have a fun day :) be safe..
March 18, 2009 at 8:13 pm #659676
AnonymousInactiveAmen to that, crm444! All folks need to do is pay attention!
On that note, I think there may be an epidemic of ADD/ADHD in this country and particularly in this region. Look, I’m riding my bike!
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