Reese Witherspoon hit by car while running
When I heard this morning that Reese Witherspoon was hit Wednesday while running and USING A CROSSWALK in Santa Monica, I cringed. I am so glad to hear that she'll be OK, but it brought back all the rage I felt earlier this week when I saw a runner in a crosswalk almost get hit by a box truck that should have stopped.
From MSNBC, here's more info about Reese:
Witherspoon was jogging across an unmarked crosswalk on Georgina Avenue at 20th Street about 11 a.m. when she was hit by a vehicle driven by an 84-year-old woman, Sgt. Richard Lewis said in a statement. The vehicle was traveling south on 20th street.
The driver, who was not identified, was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, Lewis said.
I live in South Baltimore, and drive down Key Highway frequently. The crosswalk across Key Highway between the science center and Federal Hill seems to be an accident waiting to happen. Despite the bright crosswalk lines and a few signs, including one IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET that instructs drivers to STOP for pedestrians, I see people forced to dodge cars several days a week.
This crosswalk seems to mainly be used by runners and families with small children and I just really don't understand why cars refuse to stop. On Wednesday, I saw that a runner started to cross from the Harbor side toward Federal Hill when a car on Key Highway stopped to allow her to cross. As she crossed, a box truck came barreling down the second through lane, narrowly avoiding missing the runner, but splashing her with lots of water.
I've said it before, but it bears repeating - even when you have the right of way, always assume that cars don't see you.
Anyone else have any tips for not getting hit? Or any close calls to share?
Comments
As a driver and walker, I think some of the ambiguity comes from the idea that in a long crosswalk, the "Stop for pedestrians in crosswalk" rule only applies when the pedestrian in question is actually near your car. It's a bit tempting to "slide by harmlessly" if you're in a rush.
Just as a reminder to drivers, since I've nearly been ticketed for this: Even if a pedestrian is several lanes over and there's no chance that you will impede his/her progress, it's *legally required* that you stop and wait for the pedestrian to cross.
I know it's not necessarily logical, but that's the law, and fines can result if it's not followed.
As a side benefit, rigorously following this law makes you habitually more cautious as a driver, so no matter how much certain pedestrians flout their privileged roles (as many inevitably do), you'll be prepared to avoid disaster.
As for pedestrians, my usual, how-to-enjoy-life advice applies: Get off the cell phone, unplug the iPod, walk briskly and observe what's around you. Just about everything outdoors is better experienced that way anyhow. Walking across the street is no different.
Posted by: Patrick | September 8, 2011 11:18 AM
There's a weird part of the BWI Trail where you turn right off Aviation Blvd then go around a bend and come to a light. Cars can go straight on to a private drive for Northrop Grumman or turn left on to Stoney Run Rd. There's a crosswalk there for people crossing the private drive and one time I came within inches of getting nailed by a bus going straight on to it. The driver never slowed down to acknowledge the light, the crosswalk or the fact there was a pedestrian in it. Scared the bejeebers out of me.
Posted by: brstevens | September 8, 2011 11:59 AM
Here is what the Maryland MVA Driver's Manual (last updated 3/11) says about pedestrian right-of-way:
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at street crossings but must obey traffic control signals. Where a traffic signal is not present, vehicles must stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked when a pedestrian is:
• on the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling; or,
• approaching from the nearest lane on the other half of the roadway.
From anica: Thanks for this, Jayne. In the instance I saw, the truck was definitely required to stop according to these rules. I wonder if many drivers think they can go as long as they can dodge the pedestrians.
Posted by: Jayne | September 8, 2011 5:22 PM
I live off of Key Highway, and it angers me to no end when I'm standing in the crosswalk for minutes waiting for cars to stop. THERE IS A STOP SIGN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET.
Posted by: Kristen | September 9, 2011 4:29 PM
Hope no Maryland drivers ever drive in Montana. The drivers there stop if someone is still 10' from arriving at the crosswalk! I have almost rear ended several of them because I don't even see a person at all and the car in front of me suddenly stops. In Montana, the drivers go overboard to give peds the right of way and if you aren't prepared for it, you'll rear end them.
Posted by: LOU | September 9, 2011 7:13 PM
A woman on University Boulevard once laid on her horn at me when I stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk. Then, she swerved around me, terrifying the poor ped who was crossing in front of my car. People are way too hurried and aggressive!
Posted by: Jackie | September 13, 2011 11:23 AM