Today I took a big step… actually; it was a few big steps. I crossed a highway. Of course I wasn’t alone, and I fought so we could walk somewhere else. When I didn’t get my way, I fought so that we would cross the street through the crosswalk. I was able to get my way for that. We crossed a highway but we did it walking safely through the crosswalk . I was very proud of myself by doing that; I was more proud when I crossed a second time.
This was a very big moment for me, and I still can’t believe I did it, twice! I look both ways, several times before crossing the street, and while I’m crossing it. I always want to be aware of what’s going on around me as I cross the street. It was my mistake for not being aware of that three years ago, when I would cross the street listening to my iPod or using my cellphone. But I do not do that anymore, not after I know that drivers aren’t always completely aware. We should all be paying attention, the drivers, bikers, walkers; if that doesn’t happen it can lead to a very tragic accident
It’s a shame when I hear of all of the accidents that happen, just because people weren’t paying attention, weren’t following the rules, or both. But it is not a joke and I want people to understand that. People aren’t always aware of what’s going on around them, the cellphone is more interesting than the street, they have to hurry because they’re late, or if they can walk or drive fast enough they can make it across before that car. But, is it really worth the risk? Why don’t we just wait a minute and think, do I have to answer this call right now? Can I walk or drive faster that that cara d do I need to? I just have to be there in a hurry, I just do. I don’t have to look both ways, that’s just something they told me when I was little but it doesn’t apply now because I’m in a hurry.
We should all ask ourselves these questions when we get behind the wheel or when we’re just walking. Not doing so could really change your life and other people’s lives. Maybe nothing will happen. Maybe you could get hurt. Maybe other people could get hurt.
It’s up to all of us to learn how to do this, it is up to our parents to teach us, and it is up to our government to enforce the laws to make sure we do this. There should be crossways on corners and other places to help make it safe for people to walk. We can’t all drive but we should all feel comfortable and safe walking places, whether you need to, or you just want to.
I don’t want to be involved in politics or anything like that, from what I’ve seen it’s a very tricky business; but I would just like to see something as simple as crossing the street be safe for everybody. Put crosswalks where they are supposed to be, paint them so people see them and make sure people follow the law and understand it. Makes sure the crosswalk, and pedestrian crossing signs are where they are supposed to be and visible to everybody.
And if you or anyone you know is involved in any accident involving a pedestrian, a driver or any of these, please don’t leave the scene, stay and help. This can make such a big difference in somebody’s life.
#sanjuan #lagunadelcondado #labaldorioty #cruzaconcuidado #becareful
Unstoppable María 