Comment 113732

By kevlahan (registered) | Posted September 01, 2015 at 16:36:57 in reply to Comment 113730

Theoretically, yes, in practice, no.

There is a big difference between something that is technically possible and something that is a significant risk.

Can you come up with even a single Canadian example of an illegally crossing pedestrian who caused a motorist to be killed?

There are hundreds of examples of motorists killing pedestrians, several each year here in Hamilton. And many, many, examples of motorists killing legally crossing pedestrians in crosswalks and having to pay just a $500 penalty:

https://raisethehammer.org/article/1809/...

Another point is that most motorists are unaware that they are legally required to yield to crossing pedestrians even at unsignalzed intersections (i.e. where there is no stop sign or traffic light for the crossing pedestrian).

https://raisethehammer.org/article/1939/...

But try exercising this right anywhere in Hamilton ... almost no drivers will yield and many probably believe that the pedestrian is crossing illegally.

Again, pedestrians should cross legally and safely and can and are ticketed by police for not doing so.

But, as others have pointed out, overall the risks posed by pedestrians to others (and even themselves) are insignificant compared to the risked posed by motorists. That is why the regulations and sanctions should be much more stringent for drivers.

Comment edited by kevlahan on 2015-09-01 16:41:08

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