I was near PGE Park around 12:30 today, waiting to cross Morrison at the crosswalk. And waiting. And waiting. This was a seriously long crosswalk signal. In the meantime, most of my fellow pedestrians were going ahead and crossing the street, in both directions.
I happened to look up as two women stepped off the curb cater-corner from me in front of Hot Lips Pizza. They very nearly got hit. One of them noticed the car coming up 19th a little too fast and pulled her companion back out of the way. The car, a small, sleek, (and expensive-looking) silver job slowed down as it crossed the crosswalk.
Words were exchanged between the driver and one of the women through an open passenger-side window. They didn’t seem very heated, but I really couldn’t understand what was said at that distance. But what happened next certainly got my attention:
The gentleman driving the sports car, a professional-looking gentleman wearing a nice suit, popped the car into reverse and started backing up toward the women, who were in the crosswalk behind him. The more vocal of the two started yelling “Oh, NOW you’re going to hit us??”
The driver started lecturing her, angrily. Her response was to yell, in ever-increasing volume “I’m pregnant. I’M PREGNANT. I’M PREGNANT!”
Just a few more heated words were exchanged, before the driver angrily sped off, as the expectant mom threw up a middle finger charged with righteous indignation.
It wasn’t exactly a shining example of kindness and compassion, but making it as unpleasant as it was required a group effort.
First of all, you really shouldn’t cross the street against the light. Everybody does, I know, but if you’re going to do so, for God’s sake look up before you step off the curb. Especially if you’re pregnant. You can’t expect anyone to watch out for your safety but you.
As for the driver, did he really think those women were going to thank him for a lecture? And aside from the pomposity inherent in the gesture, intentionally backing up toward a pedestrian is a truly stupid, petty, and dangerous move. It’s not like that’s going to motivate them to listen to what you have to say, and that nice car and expensive suit isn’t going to change that. I wonder what he thought was going to happen when he started mouthing off to them?
C’mon folks, the weather’s getting hot and everyone is spending more time outside. Plus, the town is full of folks going to Rose Festival events. Try to bring along a pinch of courtesy and a dab of patience when you venture out. A smile and an “I’m sorry” can short-circuit a lot of otherwise unpleasant interactions. Let’s all just try to get along, and maybe we can minimize the trips to urgent care and calls to 911 this summer.
Just a thought. Be safe out there.
{ 1 comment }
Hear! Hear! Let’s all do our part to keep Portland a safe and friendly city!
Comments on this entry are closed.