Pay attention, stay alive

Posted

Dear Citizens (drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, skate-boarders, etc.),

Port Townsend is an extremely friendly town for the above-mentioned modes of transport - and then some.

I have noticed that some of the gentle public do not observe crosswalks. Or they heedlessly stride into traffic, believing that they are the sole focus of drivers who are already concentrating on operating a large machine. Yes there are distracted drivers, and in no way do I condone texting while driving. However, some common sense needs to be employed. If you choose to cross, go the extra five feet to the crosswalk. Look before you step out. Don’t have your back turned and have an animated phone conversation, then dart out into the street like you’re on fire.

Cyclists: Cars are bigger than you are. Signal. Do not ride three abreast so people cannot safely pass. That is how road rage happens.

On the roundabouts? With trees encircling crosswalks so you cannot see anyone until they are crossing right in front of you? I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen someone almost wiped out. Half the time either the driver or skate-boarder, or walker (invariably wearing headphones) doesn’t even realize it.

Let’s all try to use our heads and be safe and considerate. Or trim the trees on the roundabout islands. Sure, they’re pretty, but lawsuits, grievous bodily harm, or worse, are not. Even if you observe the speed limit, you can still cause significant injury.

Pedestrians? Respect the laws of physics. Not all cars can see you in time and stop. I won’t even cross the pedestrian walk going into Safeway without making real sure the person barreling towards me is, in fact, going to stop.

Parents? Teach your children that not everyone is paying attention to them.

Please be careful out there.

Scott Keneally
Port Townsend