[Chazz]

My wife and I were out this morning in our car, heading to the Orlando area, around 6:15am. We were traveling southbound on Morse between Bonita Blvd and south Odell Cr. I looked to the left and saw a very faint image. When we got closer, we could tell it was a female walking southbound on Morse on the right side of the northbound road (facing toward oncoming traffic). She wasn't wearing any visibility enhancing items such as a light or reflective clothing item (although we did see her). The multimodal path was available to her. I can't understand why anyone would take such an unnecessary risk. If I felt the need to walk on this major TV road, I would certainly make sure that I used safety items to make myself highly visible.

[BarryRX]

Originally Posted by Chazz

My wife and I were out this morning in our car, heading to the Orlando area, around 6:15am. We were traveling southbound on Morse between Bonita Blvd and south Odell Cr. I looked to the left and saw a very faint image. When we got closer, we could tell it was a female walking southbound on Morse on the right side of the northbound road (facing toward oncoming traffic). She wasn't wearing any visibility enhancing items such as a light or reflective clothing item (although we did see her). The multimodal path was available to her. I can't understand why anyone would take such an unnecessary risk. If I felt the need to walk on this major TV road, I would certainly make sure that I used safety items to make myself highly visible.

As I understand from other posts I have read here, walking in the road when a sidewalk (or the intermodal) is available, is illegal as well as dangerous.

[ilovetv]

Chazz, for pointing out this insanity, be prepared to be told to "SLOW DOWN.....We're retired--What's your hurry??.....Leave 5 minutes early", like it would be a car driver's fault "for being in a hurry" if they accidentally hit this person wearing nothing to make herself at least more visible.

My first thought was, "Is it the same woman who walks in that area on the right side of the multi-modal trail with back to the golf carts coming up behind her, with her eyes glued into the book she is reading and engrossed in!".

[buggyone]

I, too, have encountered walkers in the near dark and dark who have on dark clothes. Very hard to see and not too smart, either.

Reflective vests or blinking lights are a cheap way to prevent injury, aren't they?

As for a walker on a multimodal path reading a book, how about a blast with an air horn to jolt her back to reality?

[keithwand]

Was she wearing a sheet?

[duffysmom]

It defies logic. I have seen people in dark clothing walking on the road with earbuds on. Once again I've seen people playing golf with thunder and lightning in the area. I can only shake my head and hope for the best!

[ilovetv]

It would be nice for everyone involved in a potential fatal or maiming accident waiting to happen like this, if the police or sheriff would pull them over and cite them. I realize that's not possible on the multi-modal trails, but on a 4-lane avenue it seems like police should be expected to intervene.

And speaking of this, I think some motor-bike traffic police employed by the District government should be deployed on the multi-modal trails. Walkers and bicyclists are not safe with the way many people exert their dwindling testosterone on a golf cart.

[Chazz]

Originally Posted by BarryRX

As I understand from other posts I have read here, walking in the road when a sidewalk (or the intermodal) is available, is illegal as well as dangerous.

I thought about calling the Sumter County Sheriff, but I didn't know if it was illegal, or just unwise.

In our case, we were heading in the same direction as the walker, but on the opposite side of the road. So, her presence had no direct effect on us, other than our being concerned for her well being.

[Virtual Geezer]

Chazz

Why not call the Sumter sheriff's office now and ask them about the legality of the issue. Most likely if the person did it once they will be doing it again.

I have seen a jogger running north from Havana on Morse in the southbound driving lane and the cart path is only a few feet to the left.

Another good one was the guy jogging westbound on 466a between Morse and Buena Vista. He was running with traffic.

Both incidents were in the middle of the day.

VG

[Topspinmo]

She was probably lost from out drinking all night and woke up lying in someone's bed???? After the fog and Captain Morgan cleared she probably said Geez I got to get out of here before this guy wakes up!

[rubicon]

This is an issue that has caused me concern in the 7 years I have lived here. Pedestrian who seem to have little regard for their own safety, or are totally unaware, or defy someone to run them down. It is bad enough on the multi-modal paths but when theses folks insist on walking and running in the diamond lanes they create a very serious risks for everyone. Runners in diamond lanes actually defy you to force them off the lane. so they force cart driver onto the road. If a car is in a golf cart drivers blind spot...well

Don't waste your breath waiting for a cop to issue a warning to these runners....it ain't gonna happen