So during my lunch break I was very happy to see new markings on the crosswalks of several streets I regularly cross. They were the big white ones shown at left.
I found approximately three, perhaps four, streets with these new markings. This is good because crossing streets around here is dangerous. I've devised ways of getting around that involve the fewest number of intersections.
As I approached one intersection with new markings, I saw a truck speeding rapidly toward the crosswalk, and next thing I knew, it came up on the sidewalk with me. Its back wheel went up, down, several feet from me on the sidewalk, and then the truck continued into the parking lot. Two young guys were in the truck. I think they were high or something because they were laughing. I probably looked funny- you know, the way someone looks like when they think they might die.
You can see why I'd clutch a St. Christopher's medal if I had the dexterity.
I figured I was good to go for the rest of the day without incident. Sure enough, I ran my errand, started home and nothing else happened.
Not until I got to the last corner I have to cross to get back. I saw no cars coming and started to cross on the new, clear markings. I got halfway across and cars approached from both sides. Going forward or back wasn't safe, since they didn't look like they were stopping.
And, sure enough, they didn't. They both kept coming, leaving me stranded in the middle of the street on those nice new crosswalk markings, smelling their tires and fumes.
But hey those markings? They look great.
5 comments:
I'm blind and I have certain streets I won't cross any more even though I have a guide dog. I almost got hit twice by cars at intersections. I try to get rides.
Ha ha . Funny NOT. Jerks.
Jeff
Unfortunately, great looking markings don't put sense into people's heads. It sounds to me that this road needs traffic lights, or an underpass, or speed ramps - something.
What a frightening experience. I'm just glad nothing happened to you. Someone was watching over you that day.
thanks for the comments, everyone.travelling blackbird- the one intersection really does need a light - the other was on a rather low trafficked street - unfortunately people use it to speed through from one main road to another s0 it may be a traffic calming issue.
anonymous: One of the streets near here is considered too dangerous to cross by a blind friend of mine, even though she brought in a mobility professional to help her find ways to navigate it. The driving is just erratic on that particular corner - as a pedestrian I know exactly what she's talking about...but it's not clear to those who are in cars.
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