Almost run over...how would you react?
 

So last night I am crossing the street in front of my apartment building...at an intersection...in the crosswalk. No traffic on the street that I am crossing

I am 3/4ths of the way across the street when a driver at the intersection decides to make a left and whomps on the accelerator, turning straight into me.

I LEAPED out of the way to avoid becoming a hood ornament. It was very, very, very close.

She (turned out to be a woman) didn't stop until she was well through the crosswalk.

So, of course, in typical NJ style I yell at her:

Me: "WHAT THE F%$*! are you doing?"
Her: "I didn't see you coming."
Me: "Coming???? I was in the crosswalk even before you made the turn!!!"
Her: "Well...."
Me: "...Well... drive safe and pay attention."

And I let it drop. But I wonder if that was the right thing to do.

See this is not the first time I have almost been clipped. Seems a lot of drivers don't understand that pedestrians have right of way nor do they seem to understand the "Yield to Pedestrian" our municipality posts in the crosswalk.

So should I have let it drop, or gotten her plate number and given it to the cops?

I generally kick in a body panel and keep walking.

woman drivers...

Lady drivers: no survivors.

That's priceless! Consider it stolen...

I'd let it go, I'm from Jersey too.
When I lived in Hoboken dodging cars was pretty much the norm.

Those Manhatten bike messengers do it all day!:D

I think you did the right thing. You vented a bit, let the driver know she was wrong, and then let it go.

In NJ, ya never know what the driver is packing....I've seen 2x4 planks, even chains some out when drivers quarrel. Fortunately, I've never seen a gun come out - I think you have to go to NY for that! :eek:

And next time, you need to wear a flashing beacon that puts out 1,000 candle power! That'll get ya noticed. (Of course, it will also blind the drivers heading towards you, but I digress...)
-Z-man.

Did she have a Kerry/Edwards sticker on her bumper?

http://www.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/clap.gif
Now that's funny!

There's a lady here at work who drives a VW cabrio - with a Kerry/Edwards sticker still on the bumper. I noticed yesterday that she's got a pretty big dent in your driver's side quarter panel... wonder if she was aiming for 1967 R50/2?!?!

let it go...just like when you're on your bike, assume that they're all out to get you. and kick a door panel? probably not prudent (concealed carry anyone?). CA is about the most ped friendly state there is and I still am ready to leap, even when on the sidewalk.

when it happens to me I just try to make eye contact and give them "the look". they know they've screwed up, and if they don't, they likely won't care anyway so your rant is wasted anyway.

not like I necewsarily follow my own advice all the time though...

Remember that scene in "Midnight Cowboy"? Dustin Hoffman character pounding on the hood of the car, screaming "I'm walkin' here!" Damn, opportunity missed!

Wear orange clothing.

Escaped inmates don't get run over??

Not in my experience...
;)

ive had the same thing happen... i didnt get out of the way quick enough..

i rolled onto the hood unscathed...

the guy broke out a 100$bill and said "never happend right?"

i dont even get this joke.

glad you dodge the car, dude. buy a lotto tix.

We don't get pickud up when hitch-hiking either.

They. I meant they don't...

;)

Re: Re: Almost run over...how would you react?
 

Send them over!

If the toxic waste doesn't kill them, the boys from Bayonne in their IROC's can make sure they don't get up anymore! :eek:

-Z-man.

PS: It is a little known fact, but New Joisey folks are immue to the effects of our toxic waste. And the really cool part is that at night, we glow! http://www.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/vuur.gif

Hunt her down, jack her car, steal her CC and hit Atlantic city. That will teach her...oh ya, charge all the hookers and drinks you can stand on her card and send me a new washer while yer at it.

Re: Almost run over...how would you react?
 

"Very, very, very close" is not an accident. The police wouldn't have much of a reason to get involved.

Yes, she failed to yield the right-of-way, but the police would have to look at it as a situation of your word against hers. They also probably would have more important things to do even if there were third-party witnesses to corroborate your side of the story.

Next time, don't leap out of the way; leap up onto the hood of the car and teach the driver a lesson about failing to yield the right-of-way and liability. Only take this risk if it's a really nice car! ;)