It's So Nice To Be Nice

Honestly I do.

I rarely yell or curse, but when I do, I’m in the car, driving. Sometimes, this yelling is directed at other drivers, but lately it’s been directed at inconsiderate pedestrians.

And I don’t like it. I just don’t want to call them ‘idiots,’ or ’stupid’ all the time.

I know, I know; they can’t hear me, but I can and I just don’t like being mean, calling people names.

So, I need to find a way to change them or me…and yes I know I only have control over myself, but I thought it would be fun to think of ways to control them, too.

My first idea involves an invisible shield that would zap them when they illegally step into the crosswalk. It wouldn’t hurt them, only a small shock, a little tingle. I’ve even thought about installing sensors at crosswalks that would trigger a loud parrot like voice, screaming, “Get out of the crosswalk! Get out of the crosswalk!” when someone attempts to cross illegally. I imagine avoidance of the loud shrill voice would keep their feet planted on the curb before the ‘walk’ signal occurs. And last but not least, I thought a motorized gate might help, rising and falling, depending upon the lights ahead.

I know, I know.

Most cities can’t afford this; others might scream abuse.

And maybe I’ve just let my imagination run away with itself, but it just doesn’t seem fair.

If I run a red light, I’m pulled over, embarrassed, ticketed, and left to pay a fine and possibly face other penalties.

Pedestrians get nothing.

Yes, I know jaywalking is an offense, but I haven’t heard of offenders being ticketed ….at least not lately! Municipalities, at least large cities like Detroit, are overwhelmed with major crimes, short staffed, and lack funding. So things like this get ignored and overlooked.

Even though it’s still important; really, it’s a safety issue and one that should be taken seriously.

I mean, what makes them think they’ll beat a 5000 pound vehicle coming quickly in their direction?

The truth is – they know that they can’t. They just take advantage of the “pedestrians always have the right of way” rule. In addition, they know that since we’re driving and focused on getting to our destination, confrontation is out of the question. I’m just a blank face, a stranger in the car, who’s passing along who they’ll never meet, so my feelings don’t count, my feelings don’t matter.

But they  should.

And in reality, it’s a huge inconvenience and a sign of selfishness.

Not only do I have to hit my brakes unnecessarily, sometimes, I feel like I’m playing a video game, similar to Frogger, only this time, it’s called ‘Don’t hit a Pedestrian’ or ‘Crosswalk Avoider.’

So they walk. Whenever they like, not caring to be considerate of me, other drivers, or the law.

Huh! Maybe, I’m a little too passionate about this. So, I’m going to take a breath.

In the mean time, please tell me what you think.