Sidewalk Escapades

This edition takes a look at the effect of technology on pedestrians.  When will we wake up and learn texting and ear buds with music is a recipe for disaster when walking?

Point 1:  A young gentleman is walking, texting furiously and listening to his iTunes.  Not bad until he walked into the side of the building because he forgot to turn when the sidewalk did. No major damage but he did have a bloody nose and I think he cracked his iphone after he fell down on it.

Point 2:  Two ladies walking down the sidewalk texting and enjoying their music.  Normally this would be ok except they were on the same sidewalk and going in opposite directions towards each other.  Well, one pair of broken glasses, 2 bruised butts as they landed on them, 1 exposed private parts as her blouse was torn open (no bra) .  Also, it was funny watching her rearrange her blouse and text.  That's right! Can't stop that important text.

Point 3: What is better than doing a long jog and listening to your tunes and texting.  They do it in the commercials, right?  You are also aware how they place those yellow poles near the entrance to a garage to keep the vehicles in line.  You get the picture ... running and that 3 foot pole meets the private parts of the otherwise occupied jogger.  He managed to see stars and spent at least 15 minutes on the pavement catching his breath.  By the time Police showed up, his head had cleared up and he was ready to continue his jog, his music, and his texting.  You guessed it, he was undaunted in his efforts.

Point 4: Young lady walking and listening to her music.  With no idea what the traffic light was showing and that beeping sound to assist the visually impaired, she walked out into 5 lanes of morning rush traffic.  Luckily, the truck driver wasn't texting himself and swerved to barely miss her.  Indignant the truck honked at her, she flipped him off and continued on ... the next car locked up his brakes to avoid her, getting rear ended as he did.  Now, this upset lady realized what she did, panicked, turned and run back to the curb.  However, the vehicle turning right was texting as he drove and she brushed the dust off his front quarter panel.  So, torn dress, sore leg and broken phone she made it back to the safety of the curb.

When will we wake up.  texting and walking with headphones on is a deadly combination.  I hate driving here in Rosslyn.  All the people get off the metro and head for buses. They go everywhere ... just like busy ants.  Each one totally unaware of where they are at.