Adventures in a crosswalk
To all the motorists that have stopped at the crosswalk at the corner of Main Street and First Avenue, and gestured for me to go, even though I as a pedestrian have the red light, I appreciate the gesture, but I’m waiting for the green light. Not only is it because it’s the legal thing to do, but it’s the safer option. It’s also because I’m worried about the motorist who may come down the street, who is not paying attention.
I’ve heard and read too many stories, whether through the news or by social media, of someone who was hit by an inattentive driver. While it seems cell phones are the main reason for not paying attention, there are others. Such as someone looks down just for a moment to adjust the radio or to check how much gas they have.
Another reason is that I’ve had one too many close calls even when I have the green light and the walk signal. Usually it’s from a motorist making a left turn, thankfully I’ve seen them coming and I’ve been able to backpedal to get out of the way. Most, when they realize they almost hit someone, have had an appropriate look of shock and surprise. Only two reactions have left me a little puzzled, along with other emotions. One was a few years ago, when a driver was about to make a right turn on a red light, when I took a tentative step out. He slammed on his brakes and then rolled down his window and accused me of coming out of the dark. Oddly, I had been standing there under the light, wearing a bright red jacket when he pulled up. The other was more recent. I had started across on a green light with the walk signal, and was in the center of the crosswalk, when the motorist started making a left turn at a faster clip then was needed. I shouted “Hey!” a few times as I retreated back. The driver continued on and didn’t seem at all concerned, in fact he/she gave me a little wave.
Why do people do this? If I was a mind reader I could tell you, but my best guess is that our society has become so fast paced that we sometimes don’t pay attention like we should. And I do include myself, although with the near misses I’ve had as a pedestrian, plus having to cover one too many vehicle crashes, I’ve tried to be a better and more patient driver. Our society has become so fast that the battle cry is “Don’t just stand there, do something, anything!”
For me, it depends on what that “anything” is. Anyone who knows my habits, usually will find me reading a paper with a cup of coffee or during a meal time. I read newspapers, mainly because I want to find out what is going on beyond what can be crammed into a few letters or symbols on a computer screen. I like newspapers because there are several stories. Also, I don’t have to worry about a newspaper suddenly not working like a computer can do.
Summer activities Since it is summer, it means there are a lot of events going on over the next few months. This weekend has more than enough with the annual Henderson Tractor Ride as it goes through Union Hill on Saturday; Elko New Market has its Fire Rescue Days over this weekend and Generations Theatre Company will have its final three showings of “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” Plus, there’s Vacation Bible Schools, camps of various sorts (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, music) and festivals and county fairs.
I and editor Chuck Kajer will be busily covering many of these events. For me, I enjoy being able to get out, meeting people and finding out different aspects. So, if you see me at any of these activities say hi, or let me know about a possible story. We wouldn’t be a community newspaper if the community didn’t let us know what’s going on or about to happen.
