A Pedestrian's Open Letter to Drivers

Dear Drivers,

I see you every day as I walk around town, but sometimes I wonder: do you see me? I try to be a good pedestrian and share the roads. I look both ways before crossing the street. I try to make sure I cross with the traffic light. I make an effort to make eye contact with you, and I try to be predictable so you won't worry about me darting in front of you and causing an accident.

I know I'm smaller than your vehicle, and that in a contest of woman vs. machine, I would lose. So I make an effort to be responsible, and I think of myself as someone who walks defensively. And yet, from time to time, I wonder whether it's enough. I step into the crosswalk when the light turns green, and out of the corner of my eye, you come quickly toward me, starting your turn. Do you see me? Do you notice me standing in front of you? Does it even occur to you that other people use the streets and sidewalks? Do you realize that while cars rule the road, pedestrians often have the right-of-way?

A lot of times, I walk without incident. But I've also had more than my share of difficult interactions with your fellow drivers (which probably comes with walking more than the average person does). So I'm a little jaded these days. I don't know whether to trust you or not. I approach crosswalks with an overabundance of caution lately. I still remember a few months ago the driver who yelled at me for having the audacity to cross the street when I had the right-of-way, and refusing to yield to him when I wasn't required to. I confess that sometimes I assert myself rather than wait when I know I have the legal right to cross. It's probably not the smartest or safest thing to do. But it makes me think: do drivers really know the rules of the road? Is it that you don't understand your responsibilities as a driver and my rights as a pedestrian? Or do you just not care? Maybe you're in a hurry to get where you're going. Or you're distracted by the bad day you've had and you aren't taking in all of the things and people around you.

I want to give you the benefit of the doubt. I know that all drivers aren't bad; heck, I drive too, and I hope I'm kind to other drivers and pedestrians more times than I'm not. I know that nobody's perfect. But I'm also worried, and a little afraid, because the odds are that if we keep going this way, one of us is going to be hurt. And in that woman vs. machine contest, it's likely to be me. So I'm asking you - no, I'm begging: please look around, and really see. There are more of us walking than you might think.

I'll tell you what; I'll make a deal with you: if you promise to try harder to be a more careful and observant driver, then I'll promise to be a less aggressive pedestrian. I'll try to be more concerned about staying safe than being right. And between the two of us, maybe we can make things safer for all of us, drivers and pedestrians alike. So what do you say; do we have a deal?

Yours truly,
A Concerned Pedestrian