|
 |
|
Motorists
seldom give much thought to pedestrians. They are preoccupied
with things that present a threat to them - other cars, busses,
trucks and the like. Many drivers press the limits, driving
fast, leaving little margin for error. It is easy to overlook
people walking or standing along the road.
The peaceful interior of the modern car insulates the driver
from the environment. They are out of the weather, comfortable
and feel like they are in control. It is easy to become distracted
or to forget that you are controlling several tons of steel
moving 43 feet-per-second at 30 mph.
It is unlikely that drivers will ever love pedestrians. Drivers
are likely to be unhappy with the delays involved in accommodating
them. We must make drivers aware of their duty to keep a sharp
lookout for people in and near the road. Drivers must also learn
and comply with the rules-of-the-road that specify their duties
when they encounter a pedestrian.
Striking a human being with a moving car is a horrible experience.
Most drivers would tell you that they would do anything to avoid
this. The plain fact is that many do not do even the most elementary
things - looking out and being careful.
top of page
Helpful
Links:
Pedestrians
Educating Drivers on Safety, Inc.
A page of Pedestrian Issue Links provided by PEDS (Pedestrians
Educating Drivers on Safety, Inc.)
http://www.peds.org/links.htm
What Motorists Should Know About Pedestrians' Rights:
Boulder is a community where many types of transportation are
used. As a driver, you share the road with buses, bicycles,
and pedestrians. City of Boulder Public Works Department.
http://www.ci.boulder.co.us/goboulder/pubs/general/safety_motor.html
Be Alert and Share the Road:
This one-page publication provides advice and information
about sharing the road with motor vehicles. NHTSA.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/outreach/safesobr/19qp/sect2/page4.html
top of page |
|
|
