Q: The other night I saw a couple of pedestrians wearing reflective tape. OMG. They were like beacons of light. I stopped to commend them, as they were so visible.
Joe Kraus, Saratoga
A: Off we go with reactions about responsibilities for keeping pedestrians safe.
Q: I have to address Joey Kotfica’s view that it is shameful “putting the onus on the back of the pedestrian.” l always watch out for pedestrians, even when they are jaywalking, their noses buried in cell phones. The California state driver’s handbook states that their safety is my responsibility, even if they are acting like phone zombies.
Cathy Sandoval, Benicia
A: And…
Q: I read Joey Kotfica’s message on drivers’ and cyclists’ responsibilities for keeping pedestrians safe. I agree. I also think pedestrians have a responsibility to be safe.
I use all three modes of transportation and transit. I was once knocked off my bike by a pedestrian who stepped off the curb mid-block. Her response? “Sorry, I didn’t hear you coming.” Her face had been buried in her phone.
As a pedestrian, I’ve had to call out to other pedestrians, lest we collide while they are busy with their phones. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Midori Tabata, Oakland
Q: I was hit in a crosswalk by a distracted driver. My husband and I wonder why people feel it necessary to look intently at their phones as they cross the street. What is so important that they can’t take 30 seconds to focus on their surroundings?
Patricia Garrett, Oakland
A: And…
Q: When I saw Joey Kotfica’s comments, I couldn’t help but laugh. Every day when I drive down Hartz Avenue in Danville, at or below the speed limit, at least one pedestrian suddenly darts out from between parked cars, or worse, tall SUVs and trucks where you have no visual warning!
Most know they are jaywalking and seem to hope drivers will successfully slam on the brakes. At least once a week, someone wearing earbuds or headphones and staring at their handheld device saunters out. They take zero accountability for their actions
Bob Fish, Danville
A: Also…
Q: Do you remember the Burma Shave signs that used to be posted in a series along U.S. highways? The reader offended by the notion that pedestrians have some responsibility for their safety reminded me of this: “Here lies the body/ of Paddy O’Shea/ Who died protecting/ His right of way.”
As a kid, I would see it when our family drove to visit relatives in Iowa. It made a lot of sense then, and still does!
Lynne Ellinwood, Richmond
A: Lynne and Burma Shave get today’s final word.
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