The Hamilton Spectator

Speed and options

On Dec. 5 I witnessed what would have likely been a fatal collision at a crosswalk at Bay and Bold. I was driving down Bay when an older woman, without even a glance, began to cross the street, her shopping buggy leading the way. I drive slowly in the city and was able to stop in time. Beside me I heard the screech of tires from a Ford F-150 pickup that stopped about four feet from impact. We both sat there frozen as the lady proceeded to the opposite sidewalk. I was compelled to roll down my window and yell “you didn’t even look!” but to no avail. The pickup driver rolled down his window saying he didn’t even see her until the last minute. The panic in the driver’s face was clear.

The physical laws are against us as many people tear around town. Speed takes away all options to avoid collision. Too much congestion, too many vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians not looking, distracted drivers, kids and so on. Drivers simply need to slow down and be better prepared for situations like this. It could have been ugly.

Chris Carroll, Hamilton

COMMENT

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2022-12-08T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-12-08T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://thespec.pressreader.com/article/281908777180571

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