Crossing pedestrians

When I first came to Winnipeg, I was intrigued by crosswalks. Nothing like that in Oz, I said to myself. Looks a bit dangerous, I cautioned myself. And yesterday, I was reminded just how dangerous these tools of the road can potentially be.

Some years ago, a friend was hit by a driver speeding through a crosswalk while she was in the middle of it. She still struggles with the physical and emotional scars.

Yesterday, I saw, on separate occasions, drivers zipping in front of the person crossing, rushing behind them the second they stepped out of the way, and swerving dangerously in front of another car who had actually stopped to allow the pedestrian to cross. Tsk! Tsk!

But it's not only the drivers who tempt fate. In the past, I've seen pedestrians not pushing the button before they cross, not waiting until it actually starts flashing, and not looking before stepping off the curb. Scary stuff.

Lots of excuses on both sides of the issue. "I didn't see the crosswalk" or "I didn't see the pedestrian" or "I have the right of way; the cars should stop - period". Whatever the excuse, it seems to me that paying attention and a healthy dose of respect would go a long way to making crosswalks a lot safer for everyone. So, here are a few 'must knows'.

For drivers ...
Know that crosswalks are out there and keep an eye out for them.
Know that where there are crosswalks, there could be pedestrians. Watch for them approaching or standing at the step-off point - and be ready to stop when the light flashes or the person starts to cross.
Know that if a car is already stopped at the crosswalk, they might see something you don't, so stop beside them rather than charge through.
Know that just because a pedestrian has crossed out of your view, doesn't mean there isn't another who has stepped off the opposite curb and you simply haven't seen them.
Know that if you wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed either to the centre median strip or all the way to the curb, it might delay you for a few extra seconds, but it will mean the pedestrian has crossed safely.

For pedestrians ...
Know that sometimes drivers aren't watching and can be distracted for a split second, so cross with all possible care.
Know that dawdling doesn't help anyone, so cross without delay.
Know that crossing completely in the crosswalk increases the likelihood of being seen. Avoid meandering and angling.
Know that pressing the button, waiting for the lights to flash, and checking before you step off the curb increases the likelihood that you will cross safely.

For both drivers and pedestrians ...
Know that vehicles of all kinds travelling at any speed on the road can main and kill. Enough said about that.

A little 'knowing' by everyone on both sides of the equation will go a long way to respecting these tools of the road and making them safe for all of us.