Reset Password
If you've forgotten your password, you can enter your email address below. An email will then be sent with a link to set up a new password.
Cancel
Reset Link Sent
If the email is registered with our site, you will receive an email with instructions to reset your password. Password reset link sent to:
Check your email and enter the confirmation code:
Don't see the email?
  • Resend Confirmation Link
  • Start Over
Close
If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service

Pedestrian on a median  

FresnoWoman 53F
268 posts
7/31/2018 5:07 pm
Pedestrian on a median


The California Vehicle Code really gets on my nerves sometimes. Under it, pedestrians are coddled to a ridiculous extent, such that drivers don't proceed even when it would make more sense. Today, I was walking across a parking lot, and paused on a median to let a car go by. The driver waved me on, but I waved that they could go ahead. It got me thinking. There are good reasons why a pedestrian may not want to proceed:

1) There is more than one lane to cross. The stopped driver may be in the closer lane, and the pedestrian can't see beyond the car to see any other drivers in the far lane. It has happened to me where the stopped car was in the near lane and I could no longer see other oncoming cars. I won't go if I can't see all oncoming lanes clearly.

2) The pedestrian may be sore or ill or wobbly, and not feel like crossing quickly. Once, while driving along a narrow street, I saw an elderly woman waiting so I stopped for her. She hesitated, thus I proceeded. I thought she might be nervous about shuffling out and maybe even falling down in front of my car.

3) The pedestrian isn't actually going to cross but is waiting for a bus or another person to come pick him/her up.

4) The pedestrian thinks hanging back by standing on a sidewalk, curb or median is a good way to see what the traffic's doing, and thus believes right-of-way hasn't kicked in yet.

What other reasons might there be for a pedrestrian not wanting to exercise right of way?



FresnoWoman 53F
883 posts
7/31/2018 5:08 pm

first comment


catchup1964 60M
12 posts
7/31/2018 5:40 pm

Why don't you cross in the crosswalk like everyone else. Most drivers are afraid that you might want to commit suicide and jump in front of their vehicle.( A lot of strange thing are happening in that state). Can't you get a ticket for crossing in the middle of the block?


pocogato12 71F  
37235 posts
7/31/2018 5:55 pm

I hear you but around here folks are supposed to cross in the crosswalk and when in the crosswalk, they have right of way and cars have to stop.( state law). The ones who get to me are the "darters" who run out in front of you sans crosswalk and then "finger" you even if they do not have right of way.
The ones I feel for are those with small children and the adult has to make the decision when it will be safe

(Virtual Symposium Group) use Virtual Symposium Group


citizen4722 66M  
74582 posts
8/10/2018 12:26 pm

The pedestrian may be confused or may even have lost their bearings.


FresnoWoman 53F
883 posts
8/24/2018 9:13 am

Mea culpa, I forgot I had to review comments for this post.


Become a member to create a blog