Pedestrian crossings

[hobbit]

What I didn't include in my OP, probably because it was like 2am,
was that I spend my share of time as a pedestrian [and bicyclist]
too, and I feel bad if a driver has to sudden-stop for me. I try to
time my walk to match where cars are, or wave them through, but then
that gets into the "arbitration" game which people are notably bad
at -- if you're driving and trying to do the right thing and a ped
waves you past and you're worried about not yielding, what do you
do? You could theoretically get pulled for that unless you could
PROVE somehow that the ped specifically yielded in that instance.
.
Don't misinterpret this topic as me being an arrogant driver. I like
to think I'm one of the more aware and cautious ones around here.
It's just that sometimes, pedestrian interactions really mess with
my sense of appropriate timing and flow continuity. I hate anything
abrupt on the road, because that's *what* causes accidents.
.
And no, it has nothing to do with the pedestrian's age or gender.
Sheesh.
.
_H*

[daniel]

Maybe I'm lucky about the places I've lived, but I don't see pedestrians very often stopping traffic needlessly. Occasionally there's the guy that looks homeless, maybe looks like he's not right in the head, exercising his right to the full, stepping right out into the street and crossing as slowly as he can. I like that guy. I feel momentary annoyance, but I quickly remind myself that he's teaching me patience, and learning patience lowers your blood pressure and reduces ulcers.

[auricchio]

I've been told that, while yielding the right-of-way to a pedestrian is a requirement, you can resume driving as soon as the pedestrian passes. You needn't wait till he gets to the other side. As long as you're not impeding his progress, you have yielded.

It helps a little bit, but once you've stopped, the (efficiency) damage has been done.

[qbee42]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hobbit @ Apr 2 2006, 03:16 AM) [snapback]233717[/snapback]</div>

The law in almost all regions says that pedestrians have the right
of way, especially in marked crosswalks. Unless the crosswalks
are controlled by walk/don't-walk signs as part of the traffic
light system. But every town has its share of uncontrolled
crosswalks as well, and technically when someone comes to one end
of the crosswalk intending to cross, auto traffic must stop for
them.
_H*
[/b]

Where we live it depends on the crossing. Some crossings are marked for the pedestrians saying "Traffic does not stop!", other crossings are marked for drivers saying "Stop for pedestrians in cross walk." Other crossings have no indication who has the right of way. Pedestrians crossing against the signal or in unmarked locations are jay-walking and can be fined, but you still can't run them down (a somewhat bigger fine, I expect).

[DaveinOlyWA]

well we can construct a $300,000 pedestrian overhead walkway... there is a hikng/riding trail that has 2 of these in my town.

there was a bill created to have the state pay for one...probably 10 times maybe...maybe more. dont actually know how many millions of dollars was wasted voting on the $300,000 walkway.

eventually a grass roots movement was taken up by the father of a 10 year old boy who died trying to cross the road. in less than 6 weeks, the money was raised.

[daniel]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rick Auricchio @ Apr 2 2006, 12:53 PM) [snapback]233856[/snapback]</div>

I've been told that, while yielding the right-of-way to a pedestrian is a requirement, you can resume driving as soon as the pedestrian passes. You needn't wait till he gets to the other side. As long as you're not impeding his progress, you have yielded.
[/b]

This will depend on individual state law. In WA you must wait until the pedestrian has cleared the lane next to yours. That is, there is a full lane seperating you from the pedestrian. Again, it will depend on your state. And since "ignorance of the law is no excuse," you should find out your own state's law if you don't want to risk a ticket.

[darelldd]

I do understand your question (with your additions) Hobbit. And I go to lenghts to avoid making others stop for me as well. And when I'm in my EV, I'll accelerate harder than usual to avoid slowing down that Hummer that I'm attempting to merge with - I don't want him changing velocity any more than required!



And as far as making it *less* convenient for pedestrians, I fully agree with what 404 said here:

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FourOhFour @ Apr 2 2006, 07:21 AM) [snapback]233746[/snapback]</div>

On the other hand, making it more difficult for pedestrians to cross the street will only encourage them to drive places. Which is the bigger energy loss?

I'd rather go the other direction. Add more marked crosswalks. On signalized crosswalks, make the call buttons interrupt the cycle sooner. Enforce the law giving pedestrians the right of way more. (Around here, most people won't stop.)

Maybe if crossing roads wasn't a pain, people would be willing to walk farther than from Wal-Mart's parking lot to Wal-Mart. [/b]

If I were in charge of my town, I wouldn't even let people drive cars in the congested downtown area where all this pedestrian business would be a problem for cars. Screw it - get rid of the energy-wasting cars. Put up a bunch of parking lots all around the edge of town, and have people walk or bike for the rest of it. Energy problem and safety problem both solved for VERY little money.

[V8Cobrakid]

i don't expect the first car coming to stop. i expect maybe one down a way to start slowing so he or she can stop in time.. nice and slowly.. maybe start with coasting, then slow down for me to cross. I also expect the car next to him to stop with thim. Once a car initiates a stop, all cars should.

Now.. same goes for me driving. If i see someone in the crosswalk ahead, i'll slow down and make sure the car behind me does too. at times people just drive without paying attention and i don't want to be rear ended. when i start braking the car beside me usually does too. the prius lights are bright and well seen.

[harrv]

I can hardly believe what I'm reading. Safety, courteous driving, and obeying the law is way more important than energy conservation when it comes to appropriate action at the crosswalk.

Last December I stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk. (Not abruptly. There was plenty of room and time.) An inattentive driver behind me (probably on his cell phone) slammed into the back of me, totaling my Prius and seriously messing up my back.

You can bet that when I stop for pedestrians at crosswalks now, energy conservation is the last thing on my mind. Instead, I'm focused on the rear-view mirror hoping that the same scene won't repeat.

PLEASE PAY ATTENTION and be safe at crosswalks.

[Charles Suitt]

Reminds me of the classic "image" of a Boy Scout helping a sweet old lady across the street.

Now... If I can be a Boy Scout (and I was, although I never had occasion to help an old lady across the street), is it not logical to continue to be courteous and helpful to any pedestrian even though I'm driving my car?