Warning About Crosswalks in Port Angeles
This isn't exactly a newsflash, but it's good to see this warning from the PDN. According to the Port Angeles downtown resource officer, three people have been hit in crosswalks at Front and Albert Streets. (Over how long a time span? The article doesn't say.)
Aggressive or inattentive drivers, inattentive pedestrians, jaywalkers and bicyclists riding against the traffic can all add up to an accident waiting to happen.
The article describes one incident where a guide dog was run over in a crosswalk. The driver wasn't considered to be entirely at fault because the sun was in his eyes. That's an excuse?
Aggressive or inattentive drivers, inattentive pedestrians, jaywalkers and bicyclists riding against the traffic can all add up to an accident waiting to happen.
The article describes one incident where a guide dog was run over in a crosswalk. The driver wasn't considered to be entirely at fault because the sun was in his eyes. That's an excuse?
posted by Tom Harper at 1:46 AM
6 Comments:
I don't like how pedestrians here slow down in the crosswalks. Everyone is the rebel. To be caught being conscientious, the horror. Drivers are worse. They compete to see who can be more annoying and inconsiderate. If it's raining, they speed up, like today. I couldn't believe it. Never seen everyone driving to Sequim so fast, and it was pouring. Guess the donut shop was having a sale. So I guess the pedestrians are doing us a favor, slowing down. And what's up with the aggressive HANDS UP and nasty faces from some pedestrians esp. near the courthouse. Even if you give them a hundred feet, it's like the car is the enemy. Even if it's a block away and stopped. Shame the cops can't crack down on aggressive and moronic behavior as it is multiplying - I've seen cars on two wheels weekly the past month or so. I guess that isn't worth the risk stopping for moving violations anymore, if anyone is looking, with so many criminals out there. One in ten stops would result in some heavy shit going down. Sucks. Makes me wonder why we pay them.
My friend and I were ranting to each other about just this problem the other day, as we walked downtown. Our observation was that many people in Port Angeles drive very aggressively.
They act as if pedestrians are nothing but an annoyance, and near hits happen far too often.
I think it fits with the general attitude here.
One issue I have with pedestrians is that they need to make sure the driver sees them. On numerous occasions someone has started to cross in front of my car (or behind it) when I was looking in the other direction. (And yes I had previously checked that direction too) They should have waited until I turned back to make sure I saw them.
Safeway parking lot is a good example. I look one way, then the other and don't see anyone. I slowly start to back out and someone walks out from behind another parked car that kept them from my view. I am looking in another direction to make sure my bumper clears and they yell at me.
Why would you walk in front of or in back of a car when you have not made eye contact with the driver? I learned that as a small child. If you don't see the driver seeing you - they don't. Period.
Everyone - drivers and pedestrians - need to be cautious, use good judgement and use good manners.
Drivers in Port Angeles are horrible about pedestrians and I concur they drive very aggressively. I don't slow down in crosswalks, I hurry across because I don't want to take up their time anymore than I have to. However, it is my right to walk as slowly as I'd like.
To be honest, I'm surprised more people haven't gotten hit by lousy drivers.
I thought I posted this earlier, but I guess there was a glitch in the system. Anyway, I think it's worth noting that the PDN's own Paul Gottlieb has also hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
Everyone should have their headlights on ALL THE TIME. Day or night, rain or shine.
You know how we associate a piece of electronics having a light on as being "alive"? It's the same with cars. If I see a car with headlights on I immediately know that I need to pay attention to it. Cars that are moving without headlights take more effort to notice. This is also important in the morning and evening when it can be harder to see cars as you drive into the sun, while they can see you fine with the sun shining on you.
Headlights are not just for you to see where you're going when it's dark. They are for everyone else to see you in an active vehicle at any time of the day.
Turn your headlights on all the time so that it becomes a habit and you'll never forget to turn them on or off.
Also, on pedestrians crossing. I only stop when it's obvious that they want to cross. Both drivers and pedestrians need to be educated on the simple etiquette of crossing the road: stick one foot out into the street and make eye contact with the drivers. They will stop.
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