Pedestrians

I did not publish this when I wrote it, but in light of Jillian Keck’s death, the Sarnia student who was walking behind the crossing guard and was killed, I decided to let ‘er rip.

I don’t often use this blog as a place to rant, or let my petty irritations show, but today I nearly met my maker at the cross walk and I am really tired of automobile operators ignoring the rules of the road.  So I thought I would just put a bug in your ear, you might be guilty of this or be in the car with someone who has forgotten the rules of the road at intersections or pedestrian crossings.

We are a one car family and that means most of the time I am on foot.  I like to walk, I love to amble up town, about 4 minutes from my front door and enjoy a coffee at Revel or stop for a chat at Your Local Market Coop.   At about 1.5 minutes into the walk I am at the corner of Falstaff and Downie Streets and then, my nemesis.  The photograph is the corner that I have to deal with daily.  It is at Waterloo and Downie and is a constant source of concern.  It is also across from the YMCA and the skateboard park, so lots of children who are learning the rules of the road are using this cross walk. This pedestrian crossing is dangerous.  Cars can gather speed as they cross the railway tracks near St David Street and by the time they are making the veer onto Waterloo they have forgotten to signal, never mind watch for pedestrians.  I know we have to make sure the way is clear before we step out into the road, but how about stopping when you see us standing there?

A pedestrian crossing is simply two white lines painted on the road, that offer a kind of barrier, keeping pedestrians inside this ‘barrier’ keeps them safe.  So, when you come to a stop sign with a pedestrian crossing, you aren’t supposed to drive over it, consequently pushing pedestrians (me) out into the oncoming traffic, or making pedestrians go behind the vehicle.

pe·des·tri·an [puh-des-tree-uhn] noun
1.  a person who goes or travels on foot; walker.

I took this right off the ministries website.

YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY

There are times when you must yield the right-of-way. This means you must let another person go first.

You must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing at specially marked pedestrian crossings.

Remember, signalling does not give you the right-of-way. You must make sure the way is clear.

I’m going to keep walking, I’m going to demand my right of way and I am going to honour the pedestrians when I drive.  Please join me.