Bostonist: Cars Can Kill: Learning to Stop for Pedestrians

Boston Driver

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:56:11 -0500

That's the beauty of driving in Boston: it makes precious little sense. We have been doing research on Boston driving behavior for some time and we are still stumped. See http://www.drivinglikeass.com/

Kerry Skemp

Sat, 03 May 2008 14:32:55 -0500

the onion has an even better plan: http://www.theonion.com/content/news/new_get_the_fuck_outta_the_road

bigyaz

Thu, 01 May 2008 18:41:01 -0500

Sure, slamming on the brakes is dumb, but if I as a pedestrian were always "being a good citizen and waiting on the sidewalk for a natural break in the traffic" before stepping off the curb I'd still be standing on Tremont Street.

captnitpick

Thu, 01 May 2008 11:57:05 -0500

oh, that's a good point. i hate the drivers who think they're doing you a favor by stopping at a green light to wave you on -- they don't seem to realize that there is a line of cars behind them ready to swerve into oncoming traffic (and pedestrians who are crossing under duress). it's dangerous!

trudyT

Thu, 01 May 2008 11:03:08 -0500

You needn't feel sympathy for me, I'm a pedestrian 90-95% of the time, too (don't own a car). What I'm saying is that drivers "yielding" to people who aren't even in the crosswalk are creating a dangerous situation too -- one that's dangerous to the rear ends of their own cars! Also, I'm not sure many people know that the 'yield to pedrestians' law only applies at "unlighted" intersections (those without traffic lights). I've seen drivers stop at a green light and wave pedestrians into the crosswalk -- lunacy, because it's encouraging jaywalking (something in theory a pedestrian can be tagged for), and more importantly because other drivers are not expecting to stop at a green light!

captnitpick

Thu, 01 May 2008 10:05:11 -0500

as a pedestrian, i am much happier when drivers are under the fear of god (or at least a ticket) when approaching intersections. especially considering how drivers around here cannot manage driving fundamentals such as turn signaling and braking. basically, trudy, i don't feel any sympathy for ya.

trudyT

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:24:53 -0500

I hope police will also be cracking down on those drivers who slam on their brakes when coming up on a crosswalk at 20-25mph, to beckon people standing on the sidewalk INTO the crosswalk. The law doesn't state pedestrians should be able to cross the street the second they reach the crosswalk; if a pedestrian is being a good citizen and waiting on the sidewalk for a natural break in the traffic, drivers should not risk causing traffic accidents out of fear of being seen as not "yielding."

Caroline Roberts

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:18:44 -0500

Will Cambridge follow suit?