Admittedly, I’m a bit of a thrill-seeker. I’ve always had a strong affiliation for roller coasters — and the taller and faster they are, the better. I’m willing to try most anything once, despite the fact I get nasty vertigo when it comes to heights.

However, one place I would prefer not to walk the line of danger is the middle of the street.

On more than one occasion lately, I’ve found myself having to jump backward as a car, truck, what have you goes barreling through the crosswalk — sometimes when I’m already three-quarters across.

One would assume that in a day in which lawsuits are dished out at the drop of the hat, motorists would be overly cautious; however, this is rarely the case. Not only do many people refuse to stop for those crossing the street —within the crosswalk lines — they have the audacity to give “the eye” to pedestrians in their way.

According to state law, if a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, they have the right-of-way. Additionally, if there is potential danger to that pedestrian, drivers must yield. 

However, if a person crosses where there is no crosswalk, drivers technically have the right-of-way. 

It all comes down to manners and courtesy. Yes, in today’s world everyone is in a hurry, and everyone feels they are entitled. But these simple road rules boil down to more than just safety issues. Would it be worth it to fly through a crosswalk and hit someone just to make sure you’ve arrived to a doctor’s appointment on time? Especially if that person is smart enough to get your plate numbers and hit you with a lawsuit?

That’s highly doubtful. Drivers: Please slow down!

Jessica Wasmund is the city editor for The Journal-Register. Comments are welcomed at jessica.wasmund@gnnewspaper.com.

Commentary originally published in the Dec. 8 edition of The Journal-Register.