Re: “Lawmakers should intervene to cut back deaths on roads” [Dec. 22, Opinion]:
This attention-grabbing editorial talked about many issues which might be being labored on or might be performed to cut back deaths on account of cars. However there was not one point out of the duty of pedestrians or bicyclists.
Whereas driving I’ve by no means hit a pedestrian however have come shut sufficient that I used to be very involved. Pedestrians sporting darkish clothes crossing in the course of the block in darkness and rain are sure to get hit periodically. Particularly once they don’t look earlier than crossing.
Drivers should cease for pedestrians at intersections. However “each pedestrian … crossing a roadway at any level apart from inside a marked crosswalk or inside an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the appropriate of solution to all automobiles upon the roadway.” (RCW 46.61.240).
“Cease, look and hear earlier than you cross the road”: That was drilled into each baby’s head after I was a child.
If authorities is to become involved in decreasing pedestrian deaths, I recommend authorities have a marketing campaign to teach pedestrians about security and maintain pedestrians accountable for his or her actions within the streets.
Invoice Huenefeld, Seattle
