Pedestrians Watch Out!
 

Almost got hit again by a moving vehicle while on my morning walk today. Amazed by how few Villagers respect the walking public and ignore those who are approaching, waiting to cross or walking in a crosswalk.

This is why I always walk facing traffic

Worst is areas with no sidewalk or diamond lane that force pedestrians into the street to get to a MMP. Particularly near gates.

Absolutely no idea why you are amazed at all. Average age here is quite high and with that goes common sense, reflexes and concentration.

It won't get better so be vigilant and don't moan about it.

I think you might need to be more specific about how you were "almost hit"

Also, "approaching", "waiting", and "in the crosswalk" are very different things.

If a pedestrian is "approaching" the crosswalk, he has only one obligation----to stop at the street and wait for all vehicular traffic to pass. Motorists can "ignore" him

If he is "waiting", he has fulfilled his obligation, but motorists should watch him carefully lest he does something stupid.

If he is in the crosswalk, the motorist must stop and allow the pedestrian to cross. The pedestrian cannot however jump into the crosswalk when traffic is approaching and expect the motorist to brake into a skid.

Some jurisdictions have a statute that states motorists must yield to pedestrians in their half of the crosswalk. That seems a bit cavalier to me

Having watched so many pedestrians step straight off kerbside to cross roads without looking, I am amazed how many survive, not how many get hit!:shrug:

Just spend sometime in any Publix, Lowes, or Home Depot parking lot...

People simply step off the curb, without looking for oncoming traffic...

Their head is usually buried in their phone...

Yes a pedestrian has the right of way but they also have a responsibility to know what is going on around them. They should walk towards the traffic, if walking 2 or 3 wide the need to be prepared to get over to the side to allow a vehicle to pass, so goes for those walking in the middle of the street in the neighborhoods. We step to the edge when walking our neighborhood to allow cars and carts to fast safely.

Well said.

Almost doesn't count

How true! Those white grid lines don't protect you from a car with an inattentive or reckless driver, as one often sees in any of the big store parking lots around here.

Some months back I remember reading an article about three drivers at (I believe) one of the Wal-Mart stores here, all within a few yards of one another, backing out of their parking spots. The rear ends of all three cars collided. When things like that happen it pays to be extra watchful when walking near the path of any car.

You bring up a good point re: average age. I agree vigilance is key, but did not expect to come across so many rude drivers in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown. :)

No need to go into the specifics, but thank you for breaking down all the possibilities. :)

Haha, maybe it was you? ;)

Except when playing horseshoes and throwing hand grenades.lol :boom: