AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS
Strategies to deal with / adapt for it:
Consider ways to reduce danger from each source, such as:
- parallel right-turning traffic
- alert driver (move cane; hand upraised as “stop!” etc.);
- step out into “safe” area while prepared to step back;
- begin crossing early while traffic is slow (perhaps use Accessible
Pedestrian Signal to get started earlier);
- cross clockwise so drivers can see you approach, and so that most have
already turned before you get there.
- parallel left-turning traffic
- cross early in cycle, when traffic in nearest half of the street forms a
“platoon” with no gaps (cross counter-clockwise to cross that half of the
street early).
- perpendicular right-turn-on-red
- be aware that drivers are looking to the left, so if you cross
clockwise, they sometimes never even look your way;
- notice the position of vehicles; do not cross if they are edging forward
or blocking the crosswalk;
- be prepared to hit metal with your cane if they suddenly move forward.
- with functional vision, scan appropriately:
For crossing counterclockwise
1. first (before stepping off) look left/behind for parallel right-turning cars;
2. start to cross while watching for left-turning parallel cars until you reach the middle;
3. when approaching the last lane, watch for potential right-turn-on-red vehicles.
For crossing clockwise:
1. first (before stepping out) look left for potential right-turn-on-red traffic;
(NOTE that the driver may never even see you, as he will be looking away from you, toward his left for approaching traffic)
2. start to cross and, when almost reaching the middle of the street, look over the right shoulder for potential left-turning parallel traffic;
3. look ahead for right-turning parallel traffic.
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