Rules of the road
Pedestrians have the right of way when at a crosswalk without a light. Drivers are supposed to stop and check oncoming traffic, and allow pedestrians to cross the street without hassle.
Pedestrians are not required to give hand signals before crossing the street. Why anyone would believe that they are is beyond my realm of comprehension. But, not even an hour ago I came across a driver who did believe just that.
I was crossing the street on my way home from buying some orange juice when I was nearly run over. I managed to get out of the way- just barely- and shouted out that it was a crosswalk. The driver stopped, put their gas guzzler of an SUV in reverse, and pulled up next to me only to glare and demand to know what I had just said.
I repeated myself, the driver glared some more, and then informed me that they had no idea I was going to cross the street as I hadn't given any sort of hand signal to indicate that I was going to turn left instead of just continuing on straight.
I was stopped at the crosswalk, checking the traffic and facing the direction I was going to be continuing on in! I had the right of way, the driver in question however didn't even stop at the intersection (another big no-no), and continued through without checking for pedestrians or other traffic.
The area in which this incident occurred happens to be sandwiched in between two schools, and is heavily populated by families with young children. The fact that this driver wasn't watching the roads for pedestrians, or toddlers on three-wheelers concerns me greatly.
Hand signal, my ass... Sure I have a hand signal for you you dense bitch *presents fist, and extends middle finger, while smiling sweetly*.
How the hell did this person get a license if she honestly believes pedestrians are required to signal their movements to drivers?
MPI, you have failed miserably in your duties of seeing that only people qualified to have a license are allowed access to one.