By Stuart Adelberg
Yesterday was a beautiful day, twenty-four hours when the temperature, sunshine, and breeze come together so perfectly that you know it doesn’t get any better. So, I did what I do on days like this – went outside for a walk. Walking is my panacea – the therapy that lifts me up no matter what’s happening in the world. I don’t need a destination, just being outside and enjoying everything around me is enough.
I’ve been a walker for a long time, but lately the activity has become increasingly difficult. I enjoy busy streets, as the mix of people engaging in whatever brings them joy creates a sense of vibrancy. As far as pedestrians go, the more the merrier. The problem is the vehicles, or more specifically, those who operate them.
I know this is obvious, but drivers have become much more aggressive. Two, Not Very Perfect Days By Stuart Adelberg Red lights and stop signs are now considered optional. Right turns on red have given many drivers a sense that even stopping for cars going straight or slowing down to check crosswalks for pedestrians are no longer necessary. The white lines, where drivers are supposed to stop, no longer serve a purpose as many stop at the last minute even if that puts them in the middle of the intersection. I don’t think these are evil people or even bad drivers. But many now approach their time behind the wheel as a mission to be completed as quickly as possible. They’re in a hurry and universally fed up with traffic, so they focus entirely on getting around any obstacle between them and their destination.
Back to my walk. As I was heading down the road, I approached a crosswalk at a small street with a stop sign. Though I have the right of way, I’ve learned to wait before entering crosswalks, just to be sure that drivers stop before turning me into an ornament on someone’s hood. Sure enough, a vehicle approached and continued through the crosswalk before stopping in the middle of the intersection. Being my stubborn self, I decided to cross in front of the car, shaking my head in a display of “disappointment” as I passed in front of the vehicle.
Suddenly, I heard the driver’s window come down. Why did I shake my head? Why didn’t I mind my own business and keep my opinion to myself? My peaceful walk and wonderful mood were about to be shattered by some driver demonstrating with a nasty gesture or a flurry of unsavory words exactly what he or she thought of my “disappointment” with their driving. I’m looking around to see if there are any other people close enough to be called as witnesses after my beaten body is found on the street!
As I braced for the inevitable, I heard, “Sorry, my mistake!” What now? I turned around, waved at the driver, and without even thinking said, “Thanks, no harm done,” smiled, and continued with my walk. The day was even better than I expected!
Postscript: I wrote this story a few weeks ago after a walk that happened exactly as I described. But in a bizarre coincidence, someone very close to me had a similar experience just a few days later that didn’t end quite as well. The driver she encountered didn’t stop and she got hit. Her excellent, young reflexes limited what could have been a major tragedy, but it shouldn’t have happened at all. Can you think of anyplace any of us need to be that might make it worth that kind of risk? I think not. PLEASE, SLOW DOWN!
Stuart Adelberg has a long history of active involvement and leadership in the region’s nonprofit arts and human services communities. He appreciates the opportunity provided by Greenwich Sentinel to share his occasional thoughts and observations.
