Take responsibility for your actions, safety

To the editor,

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

I entirely agree it's the motorist's responsibility to look out for pedestrians, even if they're crossing a busy road between crossings.

Recently, at about 8:30 p.m., I was turning right onto Victoria Park Avenue from Van Horne Avenue, with a green light. Visibility was poor because of the darkness and pouring rain.

Obviously my speed was slow, but suddenly a figure darted across the road - all dressed in black with a hoodie pulled up over his face, so he was just a shadow running across against the light.

Thank God I saw him in time, but if I had had a momentary distraction, I could have hit him.

I know that one's attention must be on the traffic and the roadway at all times, but this young man was taking his life into his own hands. And I would have had to bear the guilt.

So please emphasize that pedestrians must also take some responsibility for their own safety. They don't stand a chance against a 1,000-pound vehicle if they're not using the crossings, even then it behooves them to be attentive.

Janet McKerrow