Cars, please stop before the crosswalk

Ellyn Ritterskamp

I know that everyone reading this is considerate, and careful when they drive, to watch out for legitimate walkers who follow the rules.

But just in case it finds its way to someone who isn't sure of the rules, here's the deal: the zebra crossing is for walkers. When the light is red, the cars need to not be in that area. Those extra couple of feet edging forward won't help when the light turns green, toward getting anyone to their destination faster, and they can hinder those of us who are trying to cross the street in the only safe place we have.

In North Carolina (and I presume most states), many intersections have a wide solid line indicating where cars should stop, then a gap, then the zebra crossing, which is the striped area designated for walkers and wheelchairs. It's unsafe when cars creep up into that area, because then we have to work around them, and it slows us down, and then we can't get out of the intersection on time.

The line is there for a reason. There is nothing for motorists up there beyond it. Nothing to be gained, and much to be lost.

I've had to walk behind cars that were so far forward that it was safer to go behind them than in front. And for no reason except a driver's impatience. I suggest leaving a minute earlier, to get that time back.

I get it when a driver is trying to edge forward to be able to see if a right turn on red is available. I am willing to grant right-of-way there most times. But in the straight-ahead and left-turn lanes, there is no reason to be forward of the solid line.

There are two kinds of rules in the world: the kind that benefit the rule-maker, and the kind that are about safety. This one is about safety, yours and mine. Thanks for setting a good example.