To lollygag...to dawdle or waste time.
Are you a lollygagger? I sure hope not. I was just out running some noon time errands and came upon an intersection with a couple of pedestrians. They had the "walk" sign and proceeded into the intersection. I waited for them to cross as so I could make my left hand turn. I waited, and waited, and waited and waited. I ended up missing the light and had to wait through another cycle of the traffic lights so I could "take my turn" within the intersection.
You may be wondering why I missed the light. Well, because these pedestrians were LOLLYGAGGERS and were NOT paying attention to their surroundings. All three of the pedestrians were on cell phones as they were crossing the intersection. Two obviously having conversations, the third, TEXTING as he's making his way....albeit SO VERY SLOWLY, through the intersection. Thank goodness he wasn't chewing gum too. (Insert sarcastic eye roll).
Because they were obviously "distracted" with trying to accomplish other things, other than successfully maneuvering themselves to get across the street in a timely manner, that caused me to miss my light.
Yes, pedestrians have rights, but they also have responsibilities on the road, just like vehicles do. Did you know that Oregon actually has a Statute, 810.200 and 810.210 that specifically states the following:
A pedestrian shall not start to cross the roadway in the direction of a signal showing a "Wait" or
"Don't Walk" or any other symbol approved under ORS 810.200 and 810.210 indicating that the
pedestrian may not proceed. A pedestrian who has started crossing a roadway on a signal showing
"Walk" or any other approved symbol to proceed shall proceed with dispatch to a sidewalk or safety
island while a signal is showing "Wait" or "Don't Walk" or any other approved symbol indicating not
to proceed.
They were obviously not proceeding "with dispatch" to get to the other side of the road. What's worse is that their complete lack of their surroundings could have caused them serious injury. Just imagine how horrible it would be for a "non watchful" driver, to come in close contact with a "non watchful" pedestrian.
Pedestrians...I promise to be on watchful eye for you, and in return I'd ask for you to be aware of your surroundings and to maintain some "quick footedness" while making your way across an intersection.
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