Letter: I’d like to get home alive
(Charlie Riedel | AP file photo) In this March 30, 2018, photo, a motorist waits at a traffic light while the waxing full moon rises in the distance in Overland Park, Kan. The number of people killed by drivers running red lights has hit a 10-year high, and AAA is urging drivers and pedestrians to use caution at traffic signals.
Dear Salt Lake City drivers,
I have lived here for two months, and in that time I've spent lots of time walking or waiting for buses by intersections in the downtown area. Every day I've had drivers almost hit me in a crosswalk. Each time my walk sign has been on and it has been daylight. I've noticed habits drivers have that are potentially fatal to pedestrians:
If you’re about to turn left, look first before deciding to beat that car going straight. There just might be a pedestrian in that crosswalk.Same goes for turning right. Please look in the direction you’re going to turn before hitting the gas.If you’re waiting for someone to cross before going, please don’t blow past them once they’ve gotten an inch out of your way. You leave no margin of error if they hesitate or trip. I’ve been clipped by someone who didn’t have the patience to wait.Red means stop. I’ve gotten into the habit of counting to five before starting to cross to avoid being hit by all the red light runners.And put your phone down. No life is worth that text.I know everyone is in a hurry, but I’m no match for your 4,000-pound car, and I’d like to make it home to my family, too.
Carla Lange, Salt Lake City
Submit a letter to the editor
For over 150 years, The Salt Lake Tribune has been Utah’s independent news source. Our reporters work tirelessly to uncover the stories that matter most to Utahns, from unraveling the complexities of court rulings to allowing tax payers to see where and how their hard earned dollars are being spent. This critical work wouldn’t be possible without people like you—individuals who understand the importance of local, independent journalism. As a nonprofit newsroom, every subscription and every donation fuels our mission, supporting the in-depth reporting that shines a light on the is sues shaping Utah today.
You can help power this work.
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible