Was he still busy pontificating and he didn’t notice oncoming traffic?
Written by Patrick Johnson for The Republican
NORTHAMPTON – A 20-year-old Pittsfield driver was cited by police Tuesday after she ran down Lord Jesus Christ in a marked crosswalk at Main Street and Strong Avenue, police said.
Brittany E. Cantarella was cited for a crosswalk violation, said Northampton police Capt. Scott Savino.
Christ, 50, of Belchertown, was taken to Cooley Dickinson Hospital for treatment of minor injuries following the 3:30 p.m. accident. He was treated at the hospital and then released.
Cantarella was making a left turn from Strong Avenue onto Main Street when her car, a 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, struck Christ.
Christ was in a marked crosswalk at the time of the accident, Savino said.
Savino said officers checked Christs identification at the scene and confirmed it was his legal name.
I have to comment here. Mass. has one of these “must stop for pedestrian” laws, which citizens and drivers handle fairly well for the most part: except in Northhampton. I’ve noticed this in parts of NY too where this same law exists. You will be turning a corner; slowing down, waiting to see where they will go or what they are actually will do. They aren’t paying a damn bit of attention. They may just be standing there and chatting, or acting as if they aren’t going straight but turning the corner on the sidewalk too. But regardless of what the cross lights say, or where they are, sometimes you get just a few inches from the non-moving pedestrian, negotiating a turn and they acting as if they have no desire to do anything but talk… and they will: still not looking, step right out in front of you and then get all pissed off you couldn’t predict what the hell they were going to do.
Pittsfield is a bit more civilized when it comes to crossing the road. Both pay attention and don’t assume anything: as it should be.
I have noticed this happens the most in uppity schmuck areas where they’re too busy on the cell or yakking it up about the color of their shoes. It’s usually women, I hate to admit… though men sure ain’t pure.
I understand the good intent behind the law: but if you leave pedestrians totally un-responsible for their actions, ^%$#@! will happen.
But I’m guessing one part of the story is oh, so, true. He’s back. He’s everywhere. Because if you were to listen inside my truck or car at the time you would surely hear someone yell, “Oh, for Christ’s sake!!!”
In NYS there are still pedestrian responsibilities, however all the attention is paid to the motorist side. Therefore the students especially think they can just walk out into traffic. It is worst on the University Campus and the student residential area adjoining the campus.
Downtown I have the problem that some motorists will go crazy trying to stop to let me cross, when I am stopped on the sidewalk and expecting to wait for them to go by, so I can cross when the street is clear. I am sure they are folks who have had close encounters with people who don’t pay attention.
It has created an unsafe situation where some pedestrians are being oblivious to traffic and some motorists are making unsafe stops in fear of pedestrians.
I think most drivers knew pedestrians had the right of way, and if not, knew it would not be a good idea to run them over. I still think the pedestrian safety rules that were taught to me as a kid were best. After all – that hunk of metal would win in any clash – give it a wide berth.
In my neighborhood when I am with my grandchildren folks will often stop and wait for us walking or on our bikes. We always make sure to acknowledge them and wave or say thank you.