Do You Obey Traffic Signals When Crossing?
By worldwise1
@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
November 1, 2007 5:09pm CST
A story on the local news gave me this discussion. It seems that a man was jaywalking in our downtown area when he was struck by a car. He will be alright, although he did sustain some injuries. It was observed that he will be faced with a charge for the violation once he has recovered. It brought to mind a time when I was a teen that my sister and I were stopped for jaywalking. We didn't get a ticket-the officer made us cross back and walk up to the light, but it did instill in me the importance of obeying the law when crossing the street. The laws are there for a good reason.
7 people like this
14 responses
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
2 Nov 07
I really think that you might be borrowing trouble if you don't observe the rules, SViswan, but people will do what they will.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
2 Nov 07
In my area, if you don't jay walk, you can't get across the street.So everyone jaywalks. And then there are some crosswalks with a button to push so you cross, but people still jaywalk.I always use cross walks ,if there are cross walks.Otherwise, I will have to jaywalk.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
2 Nov 07
But the important thing to consider here, sarah, is whether or not you are breaking the law.
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
4 Nov 07
You know, I don't know if I am breaking the law or not. I do know it has to be a really slow day if the police have to go after me for jaywalking.
@vokey9472 (1486)
• United States
5 Nov 07
As a little kid I was always afraid to go against the light or not use the cross walk. I was convinced that a policeman would see me and take me to jail. I always use the cross walks and wait for the crosslight to come on. It is just safer.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
6 Nov 07
It is always better to be safe than sorry, vokey. People shouldn't take unnecessary risks with their lives.
@dreamy1 (3811)
• United States
2 Nov 07
Yes always. I live in a state that has the highest number of pedestrians killed in the crosswalk. It's dangerous. Two years ago I was on my bike in the crosswalk and was hit by a drunk driver. Luckily I only had some scars from it and not killed. There have been a few other times where I was walking in the crosswalk and almost got hit. People just do not pay attention at all.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
2 Nov 07
It's very nice to know that you were not injured more seriously, dreamy1. People do blatantly disregard the laws all the time-with tragic consequences all too often.
@laurentyu1 (743)
• Romania
2 Nov 07
Well we all have to obey traffic signals.I the situation you are telling us about things could have been more tragic.So we all have to obey traffic signals.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
2 Nov 07
Yes, laurentyu1, they might seem bothersome at times, but they are there for a reason.
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
2 Nov 07
That's all? What about jogging? I got hit by 2 bic=yclists in the passenger door once as I was turning a corner they weren't looking and hit me. Luckily no injuries and just sone rubber from their tires on my fender was all the damage caused.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@Soniasony (1827)
• India
2 Nov 07
Down here in India following traffic rules is a real nightmare..there are very people who follow traffic rules as i know..even if you follow there are lot people who donot co-operate with you so it becomes a bit difficult to really be atteched to traffic rules over here...
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
2 Nov 07
Traffic in India must be a real nightmare, Soniasony! Maybe you guys should do something to reform the laws.
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
2 Nov 07
I recall many years ago my brother hit a pedestrian that was jaywalking as he turned the corner. he was blind in his right eye and could not see her due to this. Ever since that day I am very careful looking for peds crossing legally or not.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
2 Nov 07
Another case for not jaywalking, webeishere! Had the woman not been jaywalking, she probably wouldn't have been hit.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
2 Nov 07
I'm afraid jay-walking is one traffic law I disobey. Not all the time mind you but if I deem it safe and the shortest way is to go diagonally, I will do it.
We don't have a lot of traffic around here, in fact vehicles are few and far between.
But sometimes, even when there is traffic, it's impossible to cross cos no-one stops. You have to stop start and wait for a break.
A young copper stopped me when I was a teen too, also for jay-walking, but he just wanted an excuse to chat me up. LOL.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
6 Nov 07
You are very lucky, Ms Tickle, to live in a place where there isn't a lot of traffic. I suppose that would lessen your chances of being struck by a car while crossing the street.
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
2 Nov 07
When I am with my son, yes all the time. We do not cross the road until the little white man is flashing. Even though others go ahead before that, we don't budge until it flashes.
When I am on my own, most of the time I do wait until its time to cross. On occasion if I am running late then I jaywalk LOL
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
2 Nov 07
Well, maddysmommy, as I just pointed out, jaywalking can get you hurt-or killed.
@naty1941 (2336)
• United States
2 Nov 07
I obey traffic signals always when crossing as I live in an area where the drivers are oblivious to the pedestrians. Even obeying the traffic signals I have had a couple of close calls with drivers talking on the cell phone and not paying attention.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
2 Nov 07
You can take consolation in the fact, naty, that should you ever get hurt, you will have the law on your side.
@ethereal_flower (124)
• Philippines
2 Nov 07
usually i obey traffic rules unless i'm in a hurry to get across. but during those times that i really could not wait to get across, i'm really careful that there are no cars coming my way. i rarely break the rules though and i always use the pedestrian lane so that whatever happens, i would not be put to blame because i was on the right zone.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
2 Nov 07
I think we should all be more conscientious regarding traffic laws, ethereal, and if the worst happens, we will not be held responsible.
