Urging Drivers, and Pedestrians, to Use Caution at Crossings, Intersections in Town
To the Editor:
When my kids were little and enjoyed the Disney classic Bambi, one of their favorites parts was in the spring when all the forest creatures became “twitterpated.” This was a euphemism for falling in love, but our family expanded the use to include any time when someone displayed irrational exuberance.
Guess what — spring is here, and Princeton drivers are twitterpated! I would estimate those passing my crossing are driving 5 mph faster on average than they were a month ago, and many always drive 5-10 mph faster than they should, so this is a problem. They are also engaging more frequently in other risky behaviors like darting across the intersection trying to beat oncoming traffic. Please slow down!
In the interest of fairness, let me engage in a little equal opportunity chastisement. Pedestrian: Take out your earbuds or take off your headphones. Hearing is a crucial way to apprehend what is going on around you — would you wear an immersive set of goggles to play video games while trying to walk around town? If you can’t hear me telling you when it is safe to cross, you also can’t hear the driver bearing down on you when you are at other intersections without a crossing guard.
Listen to the birds singing — you’ll be safer and probably happier, especially if you are currently listening to the news on those headsets.