The Onus Is On Walkers

May 10, 2011
Journal Entry: Weight = 171.0 pounds; Coinage = $1.91 (19 decas) 31 pennies, 1 nickel, 3 dimes, 5 quarters (two super finds defined as fifty cents or more in one location); Glass bottles = 4; Ground scores = 3.

Feature Entry: The Onus is on walkers (with apologies to Barry Pless, MD for stealing his title)On this afternoon’s walk, just in front of me, a pedestrian was screaming at a driver coming out of a drive-through of a Burger King. The driver ran over the pedestrian’s foot. The poor pedestrian was walking on a public sidewalk and the driver looking to dart into traffic never saw the poor fellow and ran over his foot. No serious damage was done so the screaming and naming calling was humorous.

Then just last week the Moneywalker saw this bumper sticker: “How is my walking?” At first I didn’t get it. Then when I saw the slogan was flanked by two mugs of beer I realized that it was satire poking fun at the ubiquitous signs on commercial carries that ask, “How is my Driving? Call 1-800-555-5555.”

Both episodes lead me to present the MoneyWalker’s guide to pedestrian safety. Good walkers are safe walkers. The list makes more sense if you remember that the driver of cars and trucks will always “blame the victim, the walker” if an accident happens. The list follows:

1. Prepare for the unexpected, only drivers have the right to assumptions.
2. Cars have the right of way at red lights and turning right on a red light even without stopping is their full privilege even if pedestrians are crossing the street.
3. Pedestrians must establish eye contact with drivers at intersections or when crossing the street; drivers need not be bothered.
4. Car drivers have the AT&T if not God given right to cell phone and text while driving.
5. Pedestrians must be mind readers; drivers are not required to think while driving.
6. Drivers have the right to drive with "declining eyesight, mobility, attention and reflexes"; pedestrians with the same maladies must stay home.
7. Drivers have a right to speed; pedestrians do not have the right to jay walk.
8. Pedestrians must hustle to cross the streets; cars are not expected to slow down.

The take away from this list is that drivers are equipped with a two thousand pound machine while pedestrians have only their fragile frame of delicate sinew and bones. It is not fair, but might makes right. Pedestrians cannot expect the law or common courtesy to provide protection. So, unless you are built like an elephant, you must utilize rely upon a super sensitive vigilance when walking the highways and byways of our cities, towns, and county lanes.

MoneyWalker