Looking innocent?

There was one camping trip when I was a teen in Girl Scouts where the main pass time was telling dirty jokes. Or rather, the main pass time was others telling dirty jokes, and me not getting them. Eventually someone actually asked my mom's permission to explain them to me. Yes, my mom was along, and her permission was actually requested. Apparently because I was an innocent (which I was, but only because someone neglected to explain certain details of certain things to me...) and somehow my friends felt that they needed permission to taint my ears with explanations.

That camping trip turned out to be quite informative.

Then I joined a women's choir at the age of 17. I was easily the youngest, and I got used to people covering my ears at certain jokes. Once I even caught the director motioning the people behind me to protect my ears. I took it in good humor, though I noticed that when someone younger than me eventually joined she never got the same treatment. I guess she didn't look as innocent as me, with her multiple piercings and blue hair.

But I thought all this was in the past. I am 23 years old now, surely people don't think that I need to be protected?

Guess again, Sarita.

Last evening someone didn't want to tell me about her "closet stalker" (don't ask) because I look too innocent and she didn't want to shock me. I did eventually get her to tell me, and rather than being shocked I laughed. Well, I was a little shocked, but not too much. And the guy wasn't really a stalker.

I admit though, I am slightly miffed that people still think that my ears need to be protected from certain facts of life. What do I need to do? Get a tattoo of a skull and crossbones tattooed on my forehead?

Attn: Idiot Drivers

Dear Idiot Drivers:

I was frustrated enough with you as a pedestrian, but now that I am behind the wheel myself I have even less patience for your idiocy.

First of all, stop tailgating. It's not safe, and it frazzles my nerves. If I have to slow down or stop suddenly, we're both in trouble. I'm a student driver, and even I know that.

Second, I know that I do some stupid things as a student, such as entering parking spaces at totally the wrong angle. But when I try to remedy my mistake, please do not honk at me. I already feel bad enough for failing to squeeze my mom's SUV in between two cars, I don't need you reminding me that I don't quite know what I'm doing.

Anyways, you aren't supposed to use your horn just because you're just ticked off. It's only meant to be used when someone is driving dangerously. Which I wasn't. Believe me, I asked my mom, and she said I was fine. I'm inclined to believe her.

On a totally unrelated topic, I recently read that Portland ranked in the top 200 cities in the USA for unsafe drivers. After being on the road, I can't say that I was very surprised at that.

Sincerely,

A Student Driver

P.S. I would also appreciate it if you use your blinkers. I can't read minds.

Freedom = Responsibility

Today we celebrate our independence here in the states. But with independence and freedom comes responsibility, and that's what I want to write about today. Specifically, the responsibility of knowing what the Oregon Driver's Manual says about pedestrians and driving safely!!!!!!!!!
...sorry, this is a sore spot for me.

I don't know what the Driver's Manual for other states is, but let me give those in my own home state a brief review.

For drivers to know

1) Pedestrians typically have right of way. Some of us yield it to the big heavy cars and trucks, but we still have it. So give it to us!

2) Do not block any part of a cross walk with your vehicle when your car is stopped. This can cause a dangerous situation for pedestrians who are trying to cross the road.

3) There is a crosswalk at all intersections regardless of whether it is actually marked.

4) Don't start moving until the pedestrian has "cleared your lane", and "If you are turning at a signal, you must wait until pedestrians clear the lane you are turning in to, plus 6 feet of the next lane."

(Yes, I had to resort to quoting, never mind paraphrasing.)

If you want to review the info for yourself, the relevant pages are 79-80. Just two small pages. It isn't much!

For pedestrians to know

Here are just a few of the main problems I see, which are also addressed in the Driver's Manual.

1) Stop, look, and listen. I thought we learned this as kids? This means, don't suddenly walk into the road when cars are coming. Very unsafe!

2) Dress to bee seen. Wear bright or reflective clothing at night.

3) Do what the pedestrian crosswalk signs say!!! If you cross when they say not to, you'll probably mess up traffic.

4) Use the sidewalk if there is one. If not, walk at the left side of the road so you face oncoming traffic.

5) You don't have right of way when you aren't at an intersection.

Relevant pages are 81-2. Don't worry, it's actually less than a page total. And the info there could keep you alive.

So...

Yes, two of my major pet peeves are...

1) Drivers who make life difficult for pedestrians.

2) Pedestrians who make life difficult for drivers.

These pet peeves would disappear if people would follow the rules and play nice.

Happy Independence Day! Play nice and use your freedom responsibly. :)