My Journey With Health And Fitness – Crosswalk Safety

I know I have done a good workout at bootcamp when near the end I think I’m too old for this shit. Not to worry, I’ve felt worse and often times it has been with the same instructor. But really I am always happy when I feel that way because it means I had worked hard. When I checked my FitBit when I got home I realized it had really been a good workout based on the number of calories that I burned.

As I am back out walking about 3 hours a day I thought now would be a good time to review crosswalk safety. This is once again because in the past 2 weeks on several occasions I have had near misses. In each of these I could have been seriously hurt if I had simply asserted my right of way instead of always being of defensive.

Let’s start with pedestrian responsibility because we do have to be diligent as well. Always try to cross at a crosswalk and if there is not one nearby, cross at an intersection. It is imperative that you make eye contact with approaching drivers to ensure they see you. Never, ever assume they will stop simply because you are in the crosswalk, you would be surprised at those that speed up to try and beat you. This is particularly true at controlled crosswalks (the ones with the flashing amber lights), make sure cars are going to stop before stepping out into the street. At intersections with stop lights, only enter the crosswalk when you see the white walking symbol. Do not enter the intersection if you see the red hand regardless of if you see the time ticking down and you think you can make it to the other side. Please remember some of that time is for cars that have a green light and are turning right/left through the intersection. The seconds ticking down mean how much time you have to finish your crossing. NEVER enter the crosswalk if there is a flashing or solid red hand, period. These are not just about you being safe but also about being a courteous pedestrian.

As for drivers, if you see a pedestrian approaching an uncontrolled/controlled crosswalk JUST STOP. Really it is that simple. Walking home the other day a woman sped through a controlled crosswalk that I was trying to use. She had ample time to stop but instead saw the flashing lights and sped up intentionally looking forward so that I guess if she hit anyone she could say she didn’t see them. And if there are pedestrians in the intersection, wait until they have completed the crossing before you turn into or go through the intersection.

I can never get my head wrapped around how drivers losing a minute to patiently let pedestrians cross is worth this risk of injuring or worse killing someone. And for pedestrians, is it worth risking you life by not obeying the rules of the road? I don’t think it is hence why I am always careful.

Be safe out there!