It’s certainly worthwhile to try and make accidents more survivable, but around here we have a much different problem – entitled pricks who simply walk out into the road (often times in areas where they can’t even be seen until the last couple steps) and expect all drivers to immediately stop on a dime because “they have the right-of-way.” One such area I drive through to work is by a dog park. There are signs posted to advise drivers to slow down, but at least once a week I see someone walk out from the fenced area directly into the street without even looking (or they literally try to stare down the oncoming traffic while they’re walking in front of the vehicles). Funny how nobody has put up any signs at those crosswalks treating pedestrians like small children and reminding them that the law only requires vehicles to stop for pedestrians already in the crosswalk, and they should take personal responsibility and look both ways before crossing the street.
In this case I keep hoping natural selection will resolve the problem, but there seems to be no end to idiots.
For the number of times I’ve almost been run over by bicyclists who can’t be bothered to stop or even slow down for red lights when peds have the walk signal – yeah I don’t think so. There are definitely times when drivers are at fault because they’re too busy playing on their cell phones or some other distraction, and those people need to be spending more time in jail. But there are also times when pedestrians are at fault. In many cases there is a serious lack of personal responsibility, people who expect everyone else to get out of their way rather than just using their brain. Those are the people I have no sympathy for. But whatever, if you think you can stop a moving car in 20 feet when someone walks out from behind a fence, more power to you.
people who expect everyone else to get out of their way rather than just using their brain.
sounds like you might be describing yourself here
Remind them that the use the same beds for people injured when they have the right of way as when they don’t, and that while their feet are on black stuff they are in danger.
Gen-x was a long time ago, so it’s been a long time since parents - and teachers; remember? - taught kids about not jumping out into traffic. In the latter case, they had traumatic injury clips!
“What if we simply kill all pedestrians?”
That’s you. That’s what you sound like.
So you obviously couldn’t comprehend what I wrote and simply made up some nonsense to justify a snotty response? Well, good job. Next time try harder.
Sorry. Was in a mood earlier and I was being an asshole. Here’s a real response that isn’t just anger.
1.) This country shouldn’t be as car dependent as it is and should be a lot friendlier for pedestrians and cyclists (sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes where they matter)
2.) Vehicles (this applies more to trucks than anything) should be a lot damn smaller than they currently are to improve visibility. I am sick of seeing 10 ft. tall civilian trucks that take up the entire lane that you cannot see past and obscure the drivers vision.
3.) Lifted vehicles and noncommercial vehicles with giant wheels need to be outlawed. Not only do you look like a chud, you’re endangering others by obscuring visibility (also applies to section 2).
4.) Put your damn phones down while driving. Holy shit.
I realize this isn’t going to end accidents and won’t be easy to achieve as long as our representatives keep letting corporations funnel money into their pockets, but something absolutely needs to change. I should be able to walk or bike to the damn store without having to look over my shoulder and be on edge because I might get taken out by a dick in a Dodge Ram who’s wolfing down a burger, texting/watching YouTube, and has a massive blindspot in front of him.
that the law only requires vehicles to stop for pedestrians already in the crosswalk
Where I live it’s different. If someone wants to cross at a crosswalk, they have the right of way. If a child want’s to cross anywhere, they have the right of way. Not on freeway (Autobahn) or highway (Schnellstraße) of course.
Also there is the Vertrauensgrundsatz (trust principle?). If yo cannot trust someone to know the laws or follow the law (children, visibly under influence, …) treat them as such. Keep distance and keep slow, give right of way if necessary.
Obviously cars shouldn’t be going around hitting pedestrians, and we stop when we’re able. My problem is more with the lack of common sense. This dog park I mentioned is out in the country, people are driving their cars to bring their pets here so they obviously have some idea of the time it takes for a car to stop. So why are they walking out from behind a fence and stepping directly into oncoming traffic without at least waiting for vehicle to see them and stop? Yes most people DO take this moment and are able to cross safely, but then you have someone who has no regard for their own safety and acts like they’re invincible.
Well here’s the conundrum… I could start a youtube channel showing stupid people, but what happens if it gets so popular that I no longer need to work? Then I won’t be able to get any new footage, my viewership would drop rapidly, and I’d have to get another job. It’s a vicious cycle!
