Pedestrians should accept responsibility for own safety

This letter is in response to the Oct. 17 column titled "Danger lurks where pedestrians, vehicles cross paths." First I would like to congratulate Shawn McGann for a very funny and well-written article. However, I happen to disagree on a few key points.

I also walk to class, but I believe it is the responsibility of the pedestrian to watch out for himself. I do not mean this in a legal sense, but for the purpose of the pedestrian's personal safety. Drivers should be more alert when driving through pedestrian areas, but the most annoying thing drivers can do is change their plans because a pedestrian is present.

For example, I hate it when drivers stop in the middle of traffic and wave for me to cross the road. There is always an awkward pause when each of us doesn't know the intentions of the other. "Why is he slowing down? Is he stopping because of me? I hope he doesn't stop. Oh no, he's waving. Now I have to go." Then I awkwardly prance across the street as quickly as possible to avoid ticking off other drivers who are waiting behind him. In the time that it took to negotiate this episode, the car could have passed, and I could have begun crossing the street in a normal manner. Drivers will even stop when the lane next to them is not clear to cross.

I have my own eyes and I know when it's safe to cross the road. Apparently other students are also able to take care of themselves, as I don't remember hearing of a pedestrian accident for the two years that I have been at Purdue. This is quite impressive considering the number of pedestrians and vehicles roaming about campus on a daily basis.

Ryan Shininger

Junior, Schools of Engineering

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Pedestrians should accept responsibility for own safety

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