It's drivers, not walkers
Arthur Takahashi
Issue date: 2/6/08 Section: Opinion
Jaywalkers plus reckless drivers often equals an accident.
One can see that this equation applies to the Winthrop area when walking around campus - drivers speeding while pedestrians cut across Oakland Avenue and Cherry Road, without using the crosswalk, is a common scenario.
In order to prevent an accident from happening, this equation must be rearranged:
We can subtract either the reckless drivers or the jaywalkers.
Some will argue that jaywalking must be outlawed in the Winthrop area - like the City Council did in downtown Rock Hill in September 2007.
With pedestrians respecting the law, accidents can be prevented.
Others will argue that police officers should look for reckless drivers and punish them accordingly every time they have a chance.
Without irresponsible drivers, streets will certainly be safer.
I go for the second option.
Jaywalkers don't jeopardize anyone else's life but their own.
By definition, "jay" is a silly person.
Jaywalkers may be stupid for risking their own life; but it's theirs.
If they want to jaywalk, let them do it.
After all, we live in a free country - as long as we don't pose a threat to others, we should have the right to do whatever we want with our life.
Reckless drivers jeopardize not only their own life but other people's lives, as well - including pedestrians'.
If a driver doesn't respect the traffic laws, he or she can hit pedestrians even if they are not jaywalking.
As both a jaywalker and driver from Brazil, where pedestrians are nearly always jaywalkers and drivers rarely respect pedestrians, it seems to me that the real problem is not jaywalking but driving recklessly.
Therefore, the proper Rock-Hill authorities should reinforce the rules and regulations that the South Carolina driver's manual gives to those supposedly ready to hit the road.
You as a driver should always be willing to give the pedestrian the right of way, regardless of whether he has it "officially."
Take your responsibility seriously.
After all, every person is a pedestrian at one time or another - and that includes you.
One can see that this equation applies to the Winthrop area when walking around campus - drivers speeding while pedestrians cut across Oakland Avenue and Cherry Road, without using the crosswalk, is a common scenario.
In order to prevent an accident from happening, this equation must be rearranged:
We can subtract either the reckless drivers or the jaywalkers.
Some will argue that jaywalking must be outlawed in the Winthrop area - like the City Council did in downtown Rock Hill in September 2007.
With pedestrians respecting the law, accidents can be prevented.
Others will argue that police officers should look for reckless drivers and punish them accordingly every time they have a chance.
Without irresponsible drivers, streets will certainly be safer.
I go for the second option.
Jaywalkers don't jeopardize anyone else's life but their own.
By definition, "jay" is a silly person.
Jaywalkers may be stupid for risking their own life; but it's theirs.
If they want to jaywalk, let them do it.
After all, we live in a free country - as long as we don't pose a threat to others, we should have the right to do whatever we want with our life.
Reckless drivers jeopardize not only their own life but other people's lives, as well - including pedestrians'.
If a driver doesn't respect the traffic laws, he or she can hit pedestrians even if they are not jaywalking.
As both a jaywalker and driver from Brazil, where pedestrians are nearly always jaywalkers and drivers rarely respect pedestrians, it seems to me that the real problem is not jaywalking but driving recklessly.
Therefore, the proper Rock-Hill authorities should reinforce the rules and regulations that the South Carolina driver's manual gives to those supposedly ready to hit the road.
You as a driver should always be willing to give the pedestrian the right of way, regardless of whether he has it "officially."
Take your responsibility seriously.
After all, every person is a pedestrian at one time or another - and that includes you.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
C
posted 2/06/08 @ 6:25 PM EST
Jaywalkers don't jeopardize anyone else's life but their own? Really? If a person walks in front of a car, the car will most likely swerve to try not to hit them. (Continued…)
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