What the **** is wrong with some drivers in DC?

[Anonymous]

I've lived in DC 4 years, and have been knocked off my feet once by a car and nearly run over numerous times. Most of these incidents have happened when I've been crossing on a pedestrian light. I'm always careful to ensure I have enough time to cross (before red hand flashing) and I walk briskly so that motorists have a chance to turn after I've finished crossing. But there are so many assholes out there who prioritize knocking 10 seconds off their journey time over the safety of people legally and reasonably crossing the road.

I'm used to city living - I came here from 12 years living in London without a single altercation with a motorist.

Something that irked me previously has really started to get to me. Especially when it happened last week while I was pushing my baby daughter in her stroller. I made a police report when I was knocked over - the driver didn't stop - but the police were totally uninterested. Is there anything else I can do?

[Anonymous]

Wear bright clothing and expect drivers to be jerks. That's how you stay safe.

In the mean time, get on your ANC's traffic committee.

[Anonymous]

You say “knocked off your feet” and “knocked over”. Do you mean the car actually hit you? If you were a victim of a hit and run, I would raise holy hell with the police captain at the local precient because their officers blew you off. Unless you were walking in a local neighborhood, surely some store had camera footage of you being hit.

I agree with the PP about wearing bright colors and working with your ANC rep. Are all of the incidents in the same intersection?

[Anonymous]

Advocate for banning cars in the central part of DC? Advocate for improving public transit and pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure even at the expense of private cars.

[Anonymous]

Drivers here are jerks OP. People look at me funny because I wear a bright blue coat or bright scarves, but it's what keeps drivers from hitting me.

[Anonymous]

They are Maryland drivers who think DC residential streets are their high speed corridors.

[Anonymous]

It's smart phones and the problem is everywhere. The number of people I see actively reading or texting while going 35 down a busy road is astounding. Just think of the number of people who fail to move after the light turns green. It's everywhere and so so dangerous.

[Anonymous]

Morons who also don't put their lights on when it's raining.

[Anonymous]

carry a pocket baton.

break a window when they get to close, claim self defense...