Letter to the Editor
Drive carefully
Published Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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To the editor:
I’m a high school student who walks home every day and would like to take this opportunity remind drivers to be careful. As the conditions get worse, the roads are getting slick, and the drivers should pay more attention.
I know that it’s too easy to go too fast and would like to ask you all to please slow down so that we all may make it through the winter safe and happy.
Community Discussion
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Soooo....
Another round of bashing anyone who isn't traveling in a motorized vehicle? Or have we all grown up since the last time this topic surfaced?
ok galyn. thanks for the reminder.
One thing to help stay safe is to have reflective strips on your parka so that drivers can see you at a distance.
Curmudgeon, shame on you, this time. You deserve a good hand-slapping for your response to this letter.
It's obvious, from your response, that you've never really been a non-motorized traveler on the streets of Fairbanks during our long, long winters. So, you really have no idea what it's like literally walking in the shoes of someone from "the other side of the railroad tracks."
I have a car that just almost barely functions in wintertime. But I have a car, and I'm grateful enough for that.
Spend even just a day as a mere and lowly pedestrian in this city, on a lousy, ice-fog filled day, and you'll do much to understand where this letter writer is coming from.
Drivers definitely need to be more alert.
And pedestrians need to do *everything* they can to be more noticeable, more visible, in the cold and dark. I can't emphasize this enough. Some winter-time bike riders attach flashing strobe lights to their bikes or gear. I've got a similar device to attach to my puppy's collar when we go for walks in the dark.
Being seen is your best defense.
And if someone would remind the city workers who polish the streets to hit those sidewalks too, that would be a great help to the folks on foot...
I think LadyNYC missed Curmudgeon's point - he was challenging anyone to give the kid a hard time, implying that they should NOT, because that would just be stupid.
Why give the kid a hard time he is just looking out for himself and many others who have to walk to get to their destination.
NYC/wife,
NO ONE (so far) has given the "kid"/pedestrians a hard time. Are you reading the same thread? You're currently bashing ghosts.
I think the blinking light that some pedestrains wear is a great idea.
If you're behind me, and I'm driving slow (as usual), please don't get mad,....it's so slick anymore.
Just slow down.
I agree people driving should pay closer attention sometimes, but pedestrians also need to remember it's better to be safe than sorry. Galyn giving drivers a reminder is an excellent idea. Please give pedestrians the same reminder.
Just a matter of time before those cameras on top of the traffic lights with the speed sensors next to them will be taking the pictures and the tickets will be going out.Europe has been doing this for years instead of traffic police. The government knows that this is an easy way to make a lot of money especially in this town where people act as if jumping red lights and speeding is their God given right. Wonder how they are going to react to traffic fines via photos of them breaking the laws.
Let's also remind pedestrians to stay to the far right of the road when walking where there are no sidewalks - too many times I've had to go into oncoming traffic lanes to avoid people walking three wide down the street.
LadyNYC: Yeah, as fstmm noted, you missed my dripping sarcasm. I was recalling last spring when this site erupted into a huge squabble over whether people even had the right to come within a country mile of any roadway if they weren't ensconced inside a motorized vehicle.
Just for the record, I'm a year-round cyclist, runner and walker. I'm quite accustomed to taking my life in my hands around these parts. And I do decorate myself with plenty of reflectors and lights. For some drivers, even that's not enough (and don't even get me started on how many times I've nearly been run over by some idiotic moron jabbering on a cell phone, drinking a latte, listening to an iPod, petting their dog, and picking their nose, all at the same time whilst behind the wheel of an SUV going at least twenty miles an hour over the posted speed limit).
Trust me, I'm on your side on this one.
You live in Fairbanks Alaska. Properly equip your vehicle with the correct tires and the proper maintenance. If you are not accustomed to driving in our conditions, SLOW DOWN. If you are, be alert and aware as most of us are. Leave a little earlier than you would in the summer in case you are stuck behind someone who is not familiar with driving in our conditions. And bicyclists and pedestrians, you also live in Fairbanks Alaska, properly equip yourselves with reflective clothing and light, be aware that not everyone follows the suggestions above and losing control of your vehicle can happen very quickly when one is surprised by something they did not anticipate. Make it difficult for anyone not talking on a cellphone or eating McDonalds to not be surprised by your presence. And for goodness sakes, follow the rules of the road. No one WANTS to run you over so make that hard to do and Fairbanksans whether walking, riding, or driving will have a safe and happy winter on the roads.
Jeez, sounds like a public service announcment. I say these things because when I came up here 20 years ago, no one said them to me. I had experienced slick roads before and am an experienced and careful driver who understands his limitations due to years of racing, but I still ended up in a ditch my first winter due to not having the correct tires for Fairbanks winter, not paying attention when I should have been, being in too big of a hurry, and not slowing down properly when coming to an intersection. I learned the hard way, just don't want you to have to!
I can't believe some of you would even think about giving this young man a hard time here. I personally know this boy and am proud of him for writing in an reminding some of us who dont usually walk in the winter that things are very different on foot. Yes, he does need to take precautions such as reflective tape, but the burden of safety is on the shoulders of the drivers. We need to be safe not only for ourselves and passangers, but everyone else and everything around our vehicles.
I think what he is getting at is that a lot of people who drive forget what its like to walk, whether its having to walk due to no driver license/car, or voluntarily. When you walk, you get sprayed by water and ice and snow but car drivers who really dont think about that.
fairbanksmom: I don't know if you were reading this site this past spring, but there was a huge battle over whether pedestrians even have rights. People posted numerous comments about how walkers should get off the road and out of their way, how cyclists deserve to get run over, etc. When Trooper Chad (of Ask A Trooper fame) came on and kindly explained the laws regarding pedestrians and cyclists, he was literally told that he didn't have any idea what he was talking about. It got very ugly. There are people in this town who all but consider non-motorized road users targets for their front bumpers.
We aren't giving the kid a hard time. We're agreeing with him. Some of us are remembering being told we should go and die since we choose to walk, ride, etc. Some real class-A jerks driving in this town. But I already knew that. I'm a cyclist and jogger.
lawl@NYClady
Another reminder to drivers: Just because you can see where you're going without your headlights on after fresh snow or in the ice fog, it doesn't mean that we can see you. Please turn your headlights on. It's a lot safer knowing where all the other vehicles are. Stealth is not a good habit on the road.
Plus some of us are busy drinking lattes, petting the dog, and talking on a cell phone, and need all of the help we can get. I'm joking.
First off, thank you Galyn for writing in. Its great to see students involved in writing letters and bringing up a good issue.
Ahh yes... the great greenies vs motorhogs debate of 2008, that was a fun one!
Seriously, I myself walk everywhere in the winter. I cannot tell how many ignorant or inconsiderate drivers have almost hit me... one actively tried to run me over... but its not always the driver's fault. Our climate and darkness make things more difficult, and the lack of sidewalks or good roads (N. Cushman, Old Steese near F.M.) can make it almost suicidal to try and walk to the grocers. I don't think we should have to deck out in snazzy mirrored jackets, but I would advice any pedestrian to be careful and stay focused on your surroundings~
Maybe all the mommies will read this and slow down when they drive through hamilton acres to get to ladd and tanana to get thier kiddies. You can always tell when school is out cause the suvs go by at fourty miles an hour and if you life in this area beaware when the mommies and thier suvs come you better get the hell off the road. Good letter maybe the parents going to pick up thier kids will read it and slow down
The_Alaska_Curmudgeon: No, I was not posting here last spring. I just get very defensive when I feel that young people are being attacked. This young man in particular is extremely level headed, bright, and thoughtful. Not to mention his point is a very valid one. I for one do not walk as a mode of transportation only because of where I live and the lack of safe infrastructure to do so. My hat is off to those however that do.
As drivers though we do need to be very aware of what is around our cars and the damage we can do with our own carelessness.
Sorry Curmudgeon, I totally missed the dripping sarcasm. I'll go and slap my own hand now.
Even drivers who are normally considerate might have a hard time understanding what it can be like walking around in this city. Like, as aframe wrote, getting splashed by a car going at normal speed, but through a puddle. That's happened a number of times to me, and even still, I've regretfully done that a few times while driving, myself.
Another thing - intersections are almost always icy when snow's on the ground. Try to remember to give pedestrians a little more time to cross a street.
When I first moved up here last summer I couldn't believe how slow people drove, and how slowly they accelerated when the light turns green. I usually drive the speed limit to 5 mph over(depending on the road) and I felt like I was flying compared to everyone else. I was almost never tailgated, and drivers seemed very cautious and couteous I chalked it up to habits carried over from icy winter driving.
However, now that its the winter...dark, icy, moose just waiting to jump out... and I drive just about at the speed limit most times, people are now passing me like I'm standing still. I don't get it, how do such usually careful courteous drivers in the summer turn into tailgating, speed-freaks in the winter? Even when the road is completely iced over drivers are flying by me. If they can't pass me they're right on my butt until they can. Cars are always sliding around when they stop the gas pedal when the light turns green, and then they're off flying.
I would also like to ask pedestrians listening to their nanos/ipods that while about to cross a parking lot entrance or street, get your head UP and LOOK behind you, not at your feet!! I've almost hit a couple of you kids out there. Not on my list of fun things to do. Thanks.
galcierles @ 11:21: I'm glad that at least you aren't picking your nose when driving. I've seen people do that. Apparently they think no one can see in through the windows they see out of.
I should hop over to YouTube after I post this. I'm sure someone's been caught driving-while-pickiing on video and posted without their knowledge.
LadyNYC: Don't slap yourself, you don't deserve it, you're one of the nice ones around here.
Please don't outlaw nose picking! If one can't nose pick in the privacy of one's one car, where can one nose pick!?
Galyn, thanks for reminder to those of us that occasionally drive cars to watch for pedestrians and and SLOW down, get off the cell phone and off the lattes! Today was a prime example, there were a lot of big traffic stopping collisions on the slippery roads. People in their Dodge RamURas's and Ford Expansive SUV's scare the crap out of me.
I'm not sure where Caligula24 comes from but over the last 25 years that I've lived here I 've noticed an increase of the number of predatory (take no prisoners)drivers; pretty certain they aren't sourdoughs.
I agree with Galyn. People do need to be more careful - this is winter time! Put the cell phones down!
Galyn,
I usually do drive at or below the legal limit and I do look for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Now, I'd like to request a favor in return if you will? Please make sure you wear brightly colored clothing (with reflective tape would be even better) so we can see you? When it's dark - particularly if/when you're in the middle of a 'pool of darkness' - like 'between' light posts?
Pedestrian Safety is not up to only us as drivers - part of it is up to you as a pedestrian. I hope you will exercise care since I think we need more young people who are thoughtful and willing to write letters to the editor even when there are people who are thoughtless jerks that will post return comments without engaging what little gray matter they have left.
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