Pedestrians and motorists are jointly responsible

To the editor:

Re: Motorists should look out for pedestrians,' Letters, Jan. 27.

There are rules about the correct way to cross busy streets at the lights - one being not to start crossing when the red hand appears but most pedestrians choose to ignore the hand and the few seconds left to safely cross.

They see the green traffic light and think they can safely cross.

It appears that nowadays children are not taught to Stop, Look and Listen, but that it is their right to step off the curb because 'pedestrians have the right of way'. Whatever happened to Elmer the Safety Elephant?

I am both a pedestrian and a motorist.

When walking and crossing the street, the most important thing is to be aware of traffic around you.

Make eye contact before using a walk signal to cross.

Stepping off the curb the minute you have pressed the button and there is a car within the X marks is a bad idea. Forget the mantra 'I have the right of way' and realize that a car cannot stop on a dime. Strolling out into traffic while texting or using the phone is just as bad when on foot or behind the wheel.

How much time do you save by crossing a six-lane road when there are five seconds on the signal and you are pushing a stroller with another child following slowly behind you?

We all share the road, so we may as well try and co-exist. Show a little consideration and take some responsibility for your own safety and others while driving or walking

Aileen Carter