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Are you a lollygagger?

By
Mortgage and Lending with Bank of Oregon a division of Willamette Valley Bank

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. 

Comments (8)

Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Hello Karen,

Sometimes it is so hard to be patient with lollygaggers...You bring up an excellent point about the dangers...one needs to pay attention walking, just like driving.  Please no texting or cell calls if you are holding up traffic!

Aug 01, 2011 11:10 AM
Karen Burket
Bank of Oregon a division of Willamette Valley Bank - Medford, OR
Valley Mortgage Grou, Conventional, FHA, VA, mortgages

Thanks Lisa for your visit!  Sometimes it seems as though pedestrians "think" they are too important to heed some common sense when dealing with other motorists.  I appreciate you taking the time to read my post and for commenting.  All the best to you!  

Aug 01, 2011 11:31 AM
Kerrie La Guardia
ActiveRain, Community Manager - Kirkland, WA
Let it Rain!

What about the cyclists that refuse to use the bike lane?  Grrrrr!!!!

Aug 01, 2011 11:40 AM
Karen Burket
Bank of Oregon a division of Willamette Valley Bank - Medford, OR
Valley Mortgage Grou, Conventional, FHA, VA, mortgages

I hear ya loud and clear, Kerrie!  Funny...a few weeks ago some idiot on a bike goes ILLEGALLY through a crosswalk as cars were turning.  Surprised he didn't end up being pavement meat.  

Aug 01, 2011 12:52 PM
Cliff Keith
SF Bay Homes - Redwood City, CA
Redwood City Real Estate

Why do the car manufactures put horns on their cars?

My type A personality would have been pushing on the horn ever so slightly to wake them up and make them pay attention to what they were doing.  Most people want to do the right thing.

You on the other hand just waited and it was fine.  That's ok too.  It all worked out for the best because no one got hurt and the lose of time on your part didn't really ruin your day.  Unless you call your research into the DMV's law on jay walking.  lol  You are a good person.

Aug 01, 2011 01:27 PM
Karen Burket
Bank of Oregon a division of Willamette Valley Bank - Medford, OR
Valley Mortgage Grou, Conventional, FHA, VA, mortgages

 Cliff....I forget about that horn feature!  lol  Believe me..."they" were all getting the stink eye...not that they would have noticed however.  And you're right...didn't ruin my day.  Gave me a few extra minutes to enjoy the sunshine before heading back to the office.  Have a great night! 

Aug 01, 2011 02:04 PM
Maya Swamy
Funds Available - Long Beach, CA
Ph.D. Long Beach, CA - fundsavailable.com

I am not a lollygagger - I don't use cell phones or text or let my mind wander when crossing a road. However due to back problems I do walk real slow and rarely make it across a wide road before the "Don't Walk" light comes on. Have had many occassions to be grateful to patient drivers.

Aug 01, 2011 02:20 PM
Karen Burket
Bank of Oregon a division of Willamette Valley Bank - Medford, OR
Valley Mortgage Grou, Conventional, FHA, VA, mortgages

Good morning Maya!  I'm so sorry you suffer from back problems.  :-(   No fun at all.  I certainly empathize for folks with some physical challenges and that, I would never be "upset" about.  These were young kids who just again, weren't paying attention.  I hope you have yourself a great day!  :)

Aug 02, 2011 05:49 AM