Remember the game, "Frogger,"? If you grew up in the 1980's you'd remember. I feel like that frog whenever I attempt to cross a street here in the Seattle metro area IN a crosswalk. I try not to jaywalk (I would be lying if I said I don't). However, there are times I am tempted to jaywalk as it is safer than using a crosswalk. Whatever happened to courteous drivers back then who would stop and allow one to cross a street? Has Seattle lost that courtesy? I've had close calls with impatient drivers refusing to stop or continue driving when I am in the middle of a crosswalk. I guess these drivers came from the east coast or places where pedestrians are considered third class. A couple friends say they carry rocks in their pockets to throw at cars that ignore them. They've shattered windows and taillights. Is this a good idea, anyone? Should we start carrying rocks to defend ourselves from such nasty drivers? I am considering it. I've contacted the SPD to encourage crosswalk stings and more ticketing of drivers. They say they don't have enough officers out there. Am I the only one who feels like my life is in the drivers' hands? Washington should pass a law calling this attempted vehicular assault or homicide. Seattle should follow Oslo, Norway's example. Drivers there stop at each intersection and crosswalk to allow someone to cross! Oslo's population is about the same as ours.
|
Advertisement |
It's real simple.
It is against the law in Seattle as well as the state for a driver to knowingly not stop for a pedestrian wishing to cross the street wether it be a marked crosswalk or not.
Yes you read that right....
EVEN IF you are crossing in the middle of the road all traffic must stop and allow said pedestrian to cross safely even though said pedestrian is jaywalking.
Now as i stated above, if a driver fails to stop for a pedestrian not in a marked crosswalk, the driver who fails to stop is issued a failure to stop violation.
If the driver fails to stop for a pedestrian in a MARKED CROSSWALK the penalty is more severe to the tune of $560.00Per R.C.W
But what it boils down to is the simple fact that we have to be very vigilant when crossing the street.
I will not enter the roadway at marked crosswalk until ALL TRAFFIC comes to a complete stop and I don't care if the sign starts flashing don't walk either.....
I am not going to put my life in the hands of a driver who is a hurry to blast through one red light just to get stuck at the next red light.
Be safe folks and if throwing rocks works then.... WHY NOT....
If you break a window or tail light that really doesn't pale in comparison the cost of a human life lost does it ???
Its very shame that driver's think pedestrian are too be ignore when they are traveling a minimum courtesy should have been showed....i request government should take serious note on this issue that people or getting difficult when they crosswalk.
==========================================
samuelcaleb
Auto Auctions