How do you keep doing something you know is going to end poorly?

July 28, 2015 6:11 PM

I've been hit by cars three times since living here, despite following every safety rule known to man, and I have no other choices but to keep doing this.

This has happened both walking and biking. I am extremely safety conscious, but I keep getting hit (oftentimes because someone doesn't have their turn signal on, is distracted on their cellphone). I have read every safety tip, I don't listen to music, I pay attention to when I see cars speeding through red lights, but I don't have omnivision.

I'm visually impaired (too visually impaired to drive, not enough to qualify for services) but I have lots of functional vision, it has nothing to do with me getting hit. The bus route doesn't go by my apartment this summer for construction reasons, so I have to walk to school tomorrow injured and I don't know how to psychologically keep doing something that I know will probably end the same way again. I have another year in my graduate program and already live as close to campus as I can.

I'm a graduate student and I have acquaintances who I ask for rides on rare occasion, but we're not really friends so I can't do that too often.

No, the bus for those with disabilities isn't an option because I'm not impaired enough (yes, I know this for sure because I tried).

A police report was filed, I'm not badly hurt (ambulance came), so I don't need advice on that.

I'm frustrated, and sore, and I just want to get to school and the grocery store without risking my life.

posted by Aranquis to Health & Fitness (8 answers total)

I am extremely safety conscious, but I keep getting hit (oftentimes because someone doesn't have their turn signal on, is distracted on their cellphone).

Can't speak to biking, but as a pedestrian, "extremely safety conscious" should mean staying far enough away from fast moving traffic that turn signals and distracted drivers aren't a real factor.

I'm picturing multi-lane boulevards where there are almost no pedestrians and distracted drivers turn through the crosswalk without looking for them because they're focused on opposing traffic? If you're walking along a road like that for more than a block or two, I'd look for an alternate route on the side streets, even if it takes longer.
posted by neat graffitist at 6:29 PM on July 28, 2015 [3 favorites]

Well, you should call one of your acquaintances with a car and ask if they can give you a ride in tomorrow. No need to be walking (if I remember from an earlier question, it's not a short jaunt) when you're hurt. Even if it's a mild injury you'll probably favor the good side and throw off your gait, which'll make you even more sore for your next commute. This is a special scenario; you're not going to come off as needy or annoying. I don't even know you and I'd give you a ride tomorrow to keep you from having to walk the day after you got hit by a car.

As for what to do on a daily basis, man, I don't know what to tell you. I wonder if there's anything you can do to make yourself more visible? They sell a lot of inexpensive reflective gear on Amazon. Maybe even carry an air horn to honk at cars when the need arises.

If you share your location, local mefites may be able to give specific advice, like which intersections are notoriously dangerous, or areas where there aren't any stop signs or traffic lights, and other places to avoid.
posted by phunniemee at 6:31 PM on July 28, 2015 [1 favorite]

When I was an active pedestrian I was quite paranoid about cars. If I could see a car approaching a red light, I waited to cross until they actually stopped. Basically I walked so that even if every driver on the road was a distracted asshole, I would still not get hit. Do not expect them to be looking, do not expect them to stop when they should, do not expect them to respect the right of way.


I'm sorry to hear about the accidents and I hope you've had the last of that kind of trouble. Good luck!
posted by bunderful at 6:36 PM on July 28, 2015 [2 favorites]

It sounds like you may be putting a bit too much faith in drivers. I agree with the above, turn signal use and distracted drivers shouldn't even enter the equation. You should never be moving into the path of a car unless it has stopped, and the driver has seen you and you are sure they know what you are doing.

This isn't to blame you, I'm so sorry you've been through this. I wish I had better advice, but really just be on the defensive at all times. Best of luck and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Take care.
posted by JenMarie at 6:38 PM on July 28, 2015 [2 favorites]

I know that you said that you getting hit has nothing to do with your vision, but obviously it affects you enough to bring it up. I might be going out on a limb here, but have you had your peripheral vision checked? Sometimes the changes can be so gradual that you might not notice it right away.

In the meantime, maybe you could walk at lower-traffic hours. And wear bright colors.
posted by gemutlichkeit at 6:38 PM on July 28, 2015

Sometimes, it's not about living as close to the destination as possible, it's about being on the most convenient route, e.g. on a route with a decent transit connection. Worth a move to someplace like that? Alternative: are there any local carpool groups you could join? You don't have to drive, you can just be a passenger.

Agree with calling an acquaintance for tomorrow.

But wtf is up with your city just leaving people stranded like that without offering alternate services! Have you complained to the city, your local councillor, whomever? Could you do that, maybe with other people in your area (not that you need it, because leading with the fact that you've been hit by a car three times is pretty powerful)? And also let your local paper know this is happening? I know it'd be a pain given your existing workload, but it sounds like they're not giving you any options, here. I just can't believe they've left you and other passengers in your area in this position. What are moms and seniors doing to get around?
posted by cotton dress sock at 6:39 PM on July 28, 2015 [1 favorite]

Following the rules isn't the same as bring aware of your own safety. You can be right, or you can be hit. Yes, cars & drivers are at fault, but you are the one who will pay the price. Getting hit three times because of turn signals and cell phones means *you* are the one not paying attention to the 2000 lb machine heading in your direction at speed, even if you are paying attention to the laws of the road. Sorry to be blunt.

Beyond that, have you considered a kick scooter? This would reduce your commute time, allow you to feel better about taking the extra minute or two at lights/stop signs etc., and you can outfit it with a bell and lights for nighttime. I second phunniemee's suggestion to wear reflective gear. I also carry a whistle when I ride my bike (all city riding) to give a short, sharp blast to cars and pedestrians who are crossing the safety line.
posted by cocoagirl at 6:40 PM on July 28, 2015 [3 favorites]

This is a problem that you can throw money at. Buy an orange safety vest! Make yourself as visible as possible. Wear a silly hat if you have to. Bring an air horn with you to blow if you see a car getting too close. You can handle this. Just go shopping first.
posted by myselfasme at 6:45 PM on July 28, 2015