Dear Editor:
Re: “Such tragedies happen too often,” Letters Dec. 4.
Recently, writer James Ling Hung asked if there was any way to prevent pedestrian deaths on our streets. There is quite a bit that we can do.
In Richmond many motorists are either ignorant of, or ignore, the rules of the road. Every day, we see drivers blow through intersections on red lights, turn corners incorrectly, and change lanes or make turns without a hint of a signal. If we could change just these three driving habits, the roads would be safer for everyone.
Much of this involves the concept of predictability, that is, can other drivers or pedestrians predict what you will do?
By following the rules set out in the Motor Vehicle Act, we can vastly improve our chances of avoiding an accident.
A red signal or stop sign means that the vehicle must come to a full stop. It is not uncommon to see people actually speed up to go through a red light or while cornering around a stop sign. The MV Act says that when turning a corner, you turn from the right curb lane into the right curb lane, or from the left lane into the left lane.
However, it’s common to see people turn from the left lane into the right, and vice-versa. This error makes it dangerous for other drivers coming from the opposite direction who have a right to turn at the same time. In addition, these diagonal turners are the least likely to watch for, and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Just as motorists should drive carefully, pedestrians can also take precautions. Before crossing the street, they can make eye contact with the driver beside them, use body language to signal their intentions — don’t stand at the corner if not intending to cross — and cross only when the walk light comes on.
With a little bit of common sense and respect for others, we can ensure pedestrians are safe.
We might also keep our vehicles out of the body shop.
Marion Smith
Richmond
