Pedestrians, please look both ways before you step out when leaving a store and crossing to the parking area.
Yes, you have the right of way, but you can be “dead right.”
Drivers are watching for pedestrians, but they may also be watching for other cars and/or a parking space and it is difficult to watch for two or three things at the same time.
Also, there may be distractions within the vehicle, such as crying babies or unruly children.
Make eye contact with the driver coming along the road and then you know s/he has seen you.
And please cross all the way before checking your cell phone for messages!
In the event that the driver does not give you the right of way, don’t bother to give obscene hand gestures to the driver.
She/he probably won’t see them anyway.
Caroline Steele, Harlingen
