The Portland Bureau of Transportation recently commissioned Animated Traffic Law to produce the video below. (You’ll be able to catch it on the big screen this summer before Portland Park & Recreation’s Movies in the Park film showings.)
From the frequency with which I’m honked at, sworn at, or just ignored whilst attempting to cross the street at intersections without marked sidewalks, I get the impression a large percentage of drivers are ignorant of the laws in question. The video highlights the responsibilities of both pedestrians and drivers (which includes bicyclists when operating on the road as traffic!).
Via Portlandize, and Mayor Sam Adams’ Blog.
I have to cross 34th and Division every day to get home from work.
About once a week, I’m almost hit by a car.
About twice a week, I’m honked or swore at.
34th and Division has a crosswalk and a light. What the hell, Portland?!?!
Mary Sue – I feel your pain!
The laws that give pedestrians the right of way even in an unmarked intersection are insane and unworkable. I can’t imagine how we’ve gotten to this point. It’s similar to the idiots who passed the rule about having a “yield” sign on the bus pulling back into traffic. There are already enough things to think about to maintain steady traffic flow — this just makes it worse.
Oh, and don’t get me started about how the pedestrian traffic downtown when I’m trying to make a turn just pretty much ruins my day.
Randal L. Schwartz – The sense of entitlement that gives car drivers their delusions of grandeur is insane and unworkable.