Dear Editor:
Re: Decoy Pedestrian Raises Ire, Nov. 30 new story.
Reading Mr. Duff's comments about being fined for failing to yield for a pedestrian "properly" raises a few questions. The entrapment part of his complaint bothers me not at all; if you break the law you deserve the fine. However, should he be charged for
not yielding to a pedestrian who has already crossed in front of him and reached a median? Was he supposed to wait until the pedestrian reached the far curb? I can only imagine the traffic tie-up that would cause in Dundarave.
I am a very active walker. When I need to cross the street and have stepped off the curb I expect traffic to stop for me. If I have not stepped off, I do not expect traffic to stop. Frequently I can see there is only one vehicle on the street and it is far simpler for me to wait until it has passed and I can cross the street at my own pace.
Why should a driver have to waste gas stopping and waiting when it is obvious the pedestrian can cross after he has passed? I have been so annoyed by drivers stopping when I am just watching the traffic for a good opportunity I have started to turn my back so they can see I have no intention of crossing in front of them.
I also am a frequent driver. I stop for pedestrians who have or are stepping off the curb. If they have crossed in front of me and are on the other side of the street walking away from me I proceed. Sounds like I am cruising for a ticket.
I would appreciate an article about what exactly are the obligations of the driver and pedestrian.
David Motion
West Vancouver
Editor's note: When asked, Harvey Kooner, ICBC's road safety co-ordinator for the Lower Mainland region, sent this email reply: "As per the sections below from the Motor Vehicle Act, a pedestrian has to fully cross the street prior to the vehicle commencing." To read the sections, go to bclaws.ca/Recon/document/ID/freeside/96318_05.
