Dear Editor:
While reading through Friday, March 4 issue, I noticed that both the women crossing the street in the photo were wearing black. How lovely, how fashionable, how deadly! (oh wait, a dark purple jacket!)
Even though both were crossing at the new crosswalk, with the flashing lights, is this the only crosswalk they will be using in their travels?
I am a driver. I am also a pedestrian.
As a “little old lady” driver, I am shocked and saddened at the number of pedestrians who are dressed all in black, from top to toe. They often jaywalk, cross at unmarked intersections and seem to think that their invisibility at night, especially rainy nights, also gives them invincibility against speeding cars. (Even 50 kilometres/hour)
The other night I just about hit a young lady, dressed all in black, on Renfrew near Hastings. She crossed mid-street and when I stopped short of hitting her, because she was invisible in the rain, she kindly looked up at me and gave me the finger.
Hardly ever do I see pedestrians wearing bright, reflective clothing.
As a pedestrian I wear bright colours and, upon crossing a street, wave at the drivers. I often carry a flashlight. I would rather look foolish waving and flashing than fashionably dead, in black, by the side of the road.
My death due to being hit by a car would not just end my life but would shatter the lives of my family and the lives of the driver and their family.
My plea to all pedestrians and anyone who might just cross the street, at night, in the rain, is: wear light coloured clothing. Make yourself known to the drivers and do not count on the occasional brightly lit crosswalk. Count on yourselves to stay safe and be seen.
Besides, most people don’t look that great in black.
Black makes people look old.
Terry Platt
West Vancouver
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