[Rescue Muni] Pedestrian Safety
Robert Parks (rparks@linneaus.com)
Sat, 06 Mar 1999 09:28:55 -0800
One thing I have noticed is inconsistent timing of signals. Ranging
from 18th and Castro with an extremely long cycle (you can cross twice
during the flashing red and almost cross during the ped-red), to some
busy residential signals where you can't safely cross if you catch the
end of the ped-walk. Large variances from standard lead to frustration
and illegal crossing. I don't advocate midblock lights because I have
seen the routine violation of these lights (MOMA-YBG, and YBG-Marriot)
at all hours and levels of busyness. One fairly easy improvement to
crossings would be painting them with stripes, so as to indicate to
motorists that they are pedestrian `property'.
Finally, a personal comment about personal responsibility. ``Be aware
of your surroundings!'' Having the Right-of-Way, does not stop you from
being Dead Right. If you are not sure you are safe, take extreme care
and prepare to take evasive action. And a final quote from The Smith
System `Always Leave Yourself an Out.'
Robert Parks
(sick today)
`Most Pedestrian Accidents are Avoidable'