Letter: Drivers ‘herding’ pedestrians across walkways

The grill of the big pickup truck barrels down upon me as I stare in horror at the inattentive face of the driver behind it. He doesn’t see me. I am crossing the intersection on a walk signal, and he doesn’t see me.

I will him to see me. I raise my hand out protectively in front of me, helpless against this full-size pickup truck, willing him to see me.

Finally, he looks as though he has woken out of his daze and realizes I am there. As though I am an inconvenient obstacle on his journey to work, he angles around me quickly and speeds off.

Pedestrian and cyclist safety seems to be an afterthought for many impatient drivers that I see more and more often pushing the boundaries of the yellow lights and engaging in what I call “herding” pedestrians across walkways.

Herding is a particularly disturbing phenomenon for a pedestrian. A car turning left will turn into the oncoming lane and follow you through the intersection slowly, right on your heels, in essence, herding you like cattle across the walkway. It is of concern to me because I initially thought that this truck was herding me. When an unsafe behaviour becomes a habit, it is a hazard to me as well as to other drivers.

A pedestrian has already been injured at this crosswalk. I am asking all drivers out there to recognize if they have a habit of herding.

As a pedestrian, I am making several judgement calls when crossing an intersection. That car is slowing down, this car sees me, that car is herding me, oh no it isn’t. Bam!
Please, wait patiently in your lane for the intersection to be clear, then begin your turn.

Shanon Stewart
Sudbury