In Defense of Jaywalking
Tom Vanderbilt defends jaywalking in the Nov. 2 issue of Slate . Jaywalking is crossing a street outside of a recognized crosswalk, and it may or may not be an offense in various cities and towns.
I try to always be a law-abiding citizen but I must admit that I jaywalk regularly. I’m an adult. I look both ways and cross when there are no cars in sight. I always do this to cross a street a half mile away in my suburban neighborhood, as I believe the light at that corner is a far more dangerous place to cross. Cars turning right think they have the right of way, even though I have the walk signal. They aren’t expecting pedestrians in the crosswalk. That makes it far more dangerous than crossing down the street after ensuring no traffic is coming in either direction.
We teach kids to obey the signals, and I am a good role model when children are present. But on my own, I trust my own eyes more than a driver determined to make a turn across the crosswalk I am occupying. I try to make eye contact with drivers and even wave at them while crossing to try to ensure my safety.
The good news is that the 40% of pedestrian deaths are people with measurable blood alcohol levels, usually walking after dark. I don’t walk after dark if I’ve had a drink. While we may be dismayed by distracted walkers who are texting or blabbing on cell phones, or oblivious with their iPods, it’s really the booze that is associated with the death rate.
Do you jaywalk? Do you think I’m a risky fool? Answer the poll and join in the Comments.
In Defense of Jaywalking originally appeared on About.com Walking on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 16:28:07.
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