I make it a point to walk several miles everyday regardless of the weather.
Today I realized that every time I set out for a walk in my neighborhood (no sidewalks), my personal safety is a risk. Clearly we are all at risk when we walk in our neighborhoods. Why? Most of us aren’ t thinking very actively about our safety as we walk along four abreast, with the dog tagging along and our backs to traffic. Even worse is the Mother (back to traffic) pushing her baby in a stroller, a dog in tow and talking on her cell phone. I am making a big deal about this because many motorists in our neighborhoods don’ t have the good sense to slow down on the icy roads.
Recently my husband was nearly hit by an out of control car. Because he was facing the traffic he saw the car coming and was able to get out of the way. You get the picture. I recently asked a family I encountered why they walk with their backs to the traffic. Each person had a different answer: ‘I just didn’ t think about it.’ ‘Our house is on this side of the street and we just didn’ t cross over.’ ‘I think if you have your back to the traffic, the driver will think you don’ t see the car and will look out for you.’ ‘Yeah, if the driver thinks you see him he won’ t slow down.’ These were all interesting comments. I, however, am from the old school where we were taught to face traffic. Did that change?
Now I want to comment to the drivers who find it necessary to rip through our neighborhoods. Some of you are residents. (Shame on you.) I have observed construction folks, delivery trucks, visitors and our local utility trucks. What is the big hurry? You all should know better. The speed limit in a residential neighborhood is 25 MPH. Common sense dictates slower speeds on icy roads. Some folks who drive the snazzy SUVs and the not-so-snazzy four-wheel drive vehicles don’ t get it. They appear to have an image of themselves that they got from some TV commercial. We have all seen the perfect driver, with the stylish haircut and the even more stylish sunglasses whipping through the frozen tundra throwing up snow behind the vehicle. Wow! I am not impressed.
I shared my concerns about those commercials with a representative from a major motor company. I said I thought they were irresponsible and sent the wrong message. The response, ‘We know there are problems but our job is to sell vehicles and we do whatever it takes.’
So where am I going with this? If you are out walking, especially in winter, walk facing the traffic, be alert, wear clothing that is easily seen, coach your children on walking safely (especially your invincible teens) and keep your dog on a leash.
To the drivers who slow down for us, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. For the unconscious drivers, allow more time to get where you are going, get off your cell phone, keep both hands on the wheel (drink the coffee later) and SLOW DOWN, SLOW DOWN, SLOW DOWN. You may think you can stop in time to avoid a pedestrian or dog. Don’ t count on it. Your four-wheel drive vehicle cannot stop any better than other rubber tires on icy roads. For those drivers who don’ t seem to care, and I have seen plenty of them, my message to you isn’ t printable.
~ Lynne Larson lives in Truckee.
