This isn't a press release, but it could have been. One I would not be around to post.
That would be the least of my worries. I would be dead or my body severely damaged, beyond repair.
Around 10:15 this morning, I was crossing the street on the corner of fifth and E in Eureka. I had almost made it across the crosswalk when out of nowhere a big green truck swerved onto fifth street and my life flashed before my eyes. I prepared to be hit. Fortunately, the guy hit the brakes.
This was in broad daylight. It was not a work truck. This is the second time this has happened. The other incident was a woman turning on to 4th street from I near the courthouse. They were not young kids although many daily offenders with similar behavior are.
The guy profusely apologized. The woman just kept speeding. Both these people were distracted by a pet, cell phone and just not paying attention.
On Christmas Eve, another person in a hurry turned and hit a friend crossing after mass_, near 7th and I. My elderly friend is in Santa Rosa with her ankle broken in 4 places and fluid on her brain.
Why? Because certain people behind the wheel don't care, cannot be bothered to leave in time to get places, and many drivers in Humboldt think they own the streets.
We were not jaywalking. We followed the law. This is Humboldt. What are you rushing to that cannot wait a couple of minutes?
We don't need more traffic lights or laws. We need people to pay attention, be responsible. A couple of minutes of patience can save a life.
Glad you managed to live another day.
ReplyDeleteIt always amazes me how a significant event like a death or maiming can be the result of insignificant distractions.
Somehow the balance isn't there on that one.
Anyway... keep on being light on your toes. I don't think the most dangerous of the drivers (or the pedestrians) see themselves here.