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Here is an interesting discussion on the observer's Web site about pedestrian-friendly ratings. Charlotte is one of the worst cities in this category. The rest of the worse are Southern cities:
I think there is definitely a different attitude toward pedestrians in the South than in the North -- even in smaller towns. Walking is something that people in the north are familiar with -- to some degree. And the police will actually file charges against drivers who hit pedestrians. That doesn't really happen here. Plus, I've noticed that disparaging jokes about killing pedestrians are more common in the South than in the North...at least among the people I know. Appalachian trail hikers will tell you that on the portions of road in the South, the locals enjoy playing games of chicken, drivers throwing stuff at hikers. Doesn't really happen in the North.
But really, lack of pedestrian safety is a nationwide thing. We've made roads SO inaccessible and dangerous for pedestrians that many people spend all of their time in suburban areas like University City or Ballantyne and NEVER see a pedestrian. Or aren't trained to think that pedestrians have the right of way, or even that they matter.
Here is an interesting discussion on the observer's Web site about pedestrian-friendly ratings. Charlotte is one of the worst cities in this category. The rest of the worse are Southern cities:
I think there is definitely a different attitude toward pedestrians in the South than in the North -- even in smaller towns. Walking is something that people in the north are familiar with -- to some degree. And the police will actually file charges against drivers who hit pedestrians. That doesn't really happen here. Plus, I've noticed that disparaging jokes about killing pedestrians are more common in the South than in the North...at least among the people I know. Appalachian trail hikers will tell you that on the portions of road in the South, the locals enjoy playing games of chicken, drivers throwing stuff at hikers. Doesn't really happen in the North.
But really, lack of pedestrian safety is a nationwide thing. We've made roads SO inaccessible and dangerous for pedestrians that many people spend all of their time in suburban areas like University City or Ballantyne and NEVER see a pedestrian. Or aren't trained to think that pedestrians have the right of way, or even that they matter.
So a driver is charged up north when he hits a pedestrian even when the pedestrian walks in front of a car while not at a pedestrian crossing?
You have found "disparaging jokes about killing pedestrians common in the south? Funny, I have never, ever heard such a joke. Where would you actually be to hear such idiotic jokes?
The only place I have found where a pedestrian is usually safe is in the U.K. where the zebra crossing dominates.
Just remember, percent of the people in Charlotte are from another state, so it is likely that that little piece of information has been overlooked and the majority of these dangerous drivers, which I am aware exist, are not all from the south.
So a driver is charged up north when he hits a pedestrian even when the pedestrian walks in front of a car while not at a pedestrian crissing?
Pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way, even if there is no crossing, from my understanding (could be wrong). People aren't arrested here if they hit someone? Is that even true.
Pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way, even if there is no crossing, from my understanding (could be wrong). People aren't arrested here if they hit someone? Is that even true.
Not true. Pedestrians are to cross the street at designated crossings in the city of Charlotte. If they don't they are liable for jaywalking and will occasionally get a ticket. A pedestrian only has the right of way in designated pedestrian crossings including traffic signals.
Superk, I am glad you survived your near-miss; unfortunately, I have seen your scenario ( red forward light, green turn arrow, pedestrian walk sign) several times while driving aroung Charlotte. It is not that unusual here.
Even though right turners are supposed to come to a stop before proceeding with their turn ( C-D-ers, correct me if that is wrong), they seldom do; maybe a rolling stop at best. Even with pedestrian right-of way, I think you have to walk defensively around here, and assume that someone will come to a stop within the walk lane, run the light, or turn without stopping
A contest between a "right" pedestrian and a "wrong" vehicle will always be lost by the pedestrian, right or wrong. So walk accordingly. Good luck out there!
you get an inexperienced driver from the small-town south, and they have no experience dealing with pedestrians.
A small town driver would have much more experience dealing with pedestrians than those people who move here and think the light is the law. Be careful when driving is the rule all the time.
When we lived in small town, USA one of the biggest things you had to watch was the people crossing the street when you wanted to make a right or left turn. Why would you say something like that?
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Being a pedestrian- what am I missing here?
