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Shane Fox
Joined: 27 Feb 2008 02:51 pm
Posts: 6
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Posted: 25 Mar 2008 10:31 am
Post Subject: Drivers and pedestrians Read Article
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In recent days we have read several stories of pedestrians being struck by motorists. I will not second guess any of the events or those involved, however, I do have an observation to offer.
I've had the advantage of travel and have experienced situations in other states and localities and, in my estimation, motorists in this area seem to have an arrantly aggressive disregard for the vulnerabilities of pedestrians and bicyclists. I have even seen City of Tyler police vehicles behave agressively toward pedestrians, inching and crowding into crosswalks as pedestrians are crossing under protection of the walk sign.
Few crosswalks allow suffient time for older citizens. Few, if any, crosswalks allow for pedestian push buttons. There are only a few pedestrian cross-overs or underground crossings even at our busiest and most dangerous intersections and streets.
I've watched as drivers have sped up, honked, screamed abusive language and glared in order to intimidate pedestrians. I suspect this attitude is pervasive and contributory to motorist/pedestrian accidents.
I wrote that I wouldn't second guess. But, I do have to offer this. In today's story, it said that police determined the motorists were not at fault. Unless that victim hurled himself in front of those cars they were culpable---a motorist should have the vehicle under control at all times staying alert for road hazards, pedestrians, children, animals and other things which might be the path.
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Sarah Sandlin
Joined: 06 Mar 2008 02:05 pm
Posts: 15
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Posted: 25 Mar 2008 04:44 pm
Post Subject: Re: Drivers and pedestrians
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Yup. One of the factors in car insurance rates is accidents and history in an area. I am from Tyler but worked in Houston for a while. I watched my auto insurance rates DROP when I moved right into a sprawling metropolis in Harris County, and go right back up when I came back to Tyler. I asked about this, and I was told the rates were simply higher in Smith County. I also recall reading a few years ago we had some of the highest rates in the nation.
Yes, people need to be careful crossing streets, etc. I wasn't there. But the fact remains that every one of us is paying more than we need to in auto insurance because of the selfish drivers who care more about making it through a light even if it is red or speeding through the rain when he or she can barely see.
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Kelly Acker
Joined: 09 Feb 2008 08:39 am
Posts: 22
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Posted: 26 Mar 2008 01:08 am
Post Subject: Re: Drivers and pedestrians
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I thought I was the only pessimist that believed our roads are becoming more dangerous than ever before. Shane has hit the nail on the head about the aggressive careless nature of drivers in Smith County. This past weekend I came a few inches from becoming another bloodstain on a Smith County road due to the willful and reckless actions of a motorist. More and more drivers are riding around with the attitude that every traffic control device and road sign is an attempt to prevent them from getting to Starbucks to get their mocha latté. Maybe everyone will someday realize an automobile is one of the deadliest and readily available weapons in America today.
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Erin Smith
Joined: 26 Mar 2008 07:13 am
Posts: 1
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Posted: 26 Mar 2008 08:29 am
Post Subject: Re: Drivers and pedestrians
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I certainly don't disagree that Tyler drivers are awful, but I do know there are way too many people that cross the road where they shouldn't be.
Yesterdays accident happened when it was still pitch black outside. I drove by right after it happened. I thought it was another car accident. To me it looked like the pedestrian must have crossed in front of the Sonic(or in the general area).
When there are headlights coming from both directions, it is hard to see pedestrians.
I do know however, that it will only be a matter of time before this happens in front of ETMC. Alot of medical staff cross Beckham (less than a block from a redlight) when it is still very dark outside. I have to use the turning lane and have already had a couple close calls. They stand in the turning lane and wait on traffic to clear. It is hard to see someone when there are multiple cars coming from the opposite direction(headlights on). I even strain to look for people in the morning and still some of them seem to appear out of nowhere when I get close.
I live on a curvey country road. There is a couple who walks often, they walk side by side and on the wrong side of the road. I have to drive on the wrong side of the road to pass them b/c they will not move out of the way! It is so aggravating! One day I think I will stop and say something, doubt they will care though! It will probably take a head on collision around a corner or someone running off the road to get their attention!
I believe MOST of the pedestrian/auto accidents are avoidable. There are too many pedestrians that walk on the wrong side of the road, and cross where they shouldn't. Most of the stories I read about pedestians being hit are ones that are not following the law. You wouldn't pass another car in a no passing zone. Don't jaywalk across a busy highway when it is pitch black outside(or any other time for that matter), and walk against traffic not with it!!
And yes, Tyler drivers need to slow down and relax!! Sometimes I think Loop 323 is a Nascar track! 
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