I have listened to news reports on the number of auto-pedestrian accidents in Salt Lake City. All the focus is on the driver. Driving slower, watching more, being more careful. Pedestrians and bicyclists need to be more aware of their surroundings. I notice that cyclists don’t stop for stop signs or traffic lights, they don’t use the bike lane when they are available, they come up on cars stopped for a traffic light or stop sign and just breeze by the car. Pedestrians don’t look before they step off the curb, they are looking at their phones, and have other distractions when crossing the street.
These people need to be responsible for their safety. People who are walking or biking need to be more aware of their surroundings. My mother always told me, “Look both ways and wait for traffic to clear before stepping off the curb”. This is a motto I have always heeded. You may have the right of way, but you might be dead right.
One more factor in the rise in accidents across the board is our increased population. In 2000 the population of Salt Lake City was 891,000 and today it is 1,190, 000. We should be glad the numbers are not higher (much higher) than they are now.
Ann Smyth, Salt Lake City
