Do It Myself Blog – Glenda Watson Hyatt

Dear Careless, Inconsiderate Drivers,

When the driver in front of you has stopped at a marked crosswalk, chances are that someone – perhaps me – is crossing the street. Stop! Do not drive around the vehicle and keep going! Stop and wait!

If you can not see me in my big, bright red scooter attempting to cross the street, chances are you won’t see the parent pushing the baby stroller, the senior citizen using the walker or cane, or the child walking the dog. Surrender your driver’s license now! You are not fit for the privilege of driving.

If you are distracted by the cell phone, iPod, lipstick or razor, put the damn thing away, preferably in the trunk – beyond reach of temptation! Driving – with your own and others’ safety in your hands – requires your full attention. This is not the time for mindless multitasking.

If you are in a hurry, take a deep breath, count to twenty and wait! What makes your time more valuable, more precious than my life?

In a split second, you may judge my life in a wheelchair as not worthwhile, not valuable. But many others – around the world – would vehemently disagree and would be extremely upset and angry if you injured or killed me while I was crossing the street.

I was a hit-and-run victim once. A driver turned right as I wheeled down the curb cut. His van turned my entire scooter ninety-degrees. He drove off, leaving me trembling and with soft tissue injuries.

I was lucky that time; I survived. Next time I may not be so lucky. And why? Because you didn’t see me? Because you were distracted? Because you were in a hurry? What will you tell my husband, my parents, my brothers, my nieces and nephews, and my friends?

Crossing the street should not be the most dangerous thing I face each day.

Slow down, pay attention and put away distractions so we both safely reach our destinations.

Thank you for doing the right thing,
Glenda