Controversy Over Crosswalks
The mayhem on Beachwood Drive prompted this observation.
As a daily walker I am continually appalled by the plethora of law-breaking motorists. They accelerate to beat the changing traffic signals, make horrendously unsafe turns, and constantly violate my pedestrian rights.
As a daily driver, I am appalled by the motorists I’m invariably behind: the “creeping Charleys” who miss every green light; the “cautious Claras” who ignore opportunities to turn; the “polite Pauls” who wait for people, still nowhere near the curb, to cross the street.
It occurred to me that this contradictory behavior behind the wheel needs to be carefully noted. Perhaps, as drivers, we need to develop extraterrestrial perceptions; to literally take ourselves from the car to the street.
The horror of striking a pedestrian will cripple both the victim and perpetrator long after the new stop sign has been erected.
TAM LIPSON
Long Beach
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