How To Be A Pedestrian

Did you know that the crosswalk button is known as the “Placebo button?”

Photo by Steven Lasry on Unsplash

Placebo — Placebo means any perceived panacea that will improve a person’s mental state because they choose to believe it will.

Does this mean that people believe they have a say in traffic control, even if they don’t? Hmmm. Very interesting. Traffic lights follow their own schedule, independent of the Placebo button.

Engage the crosswalk “Placebo button.”

Never jaywalk.

Never cross the street while looking at your cell phone.

When you begin to cross in the crosswalk, anticipate the time it will take to get across. If there is not enough time to cross, do not cross.

When you step into the crosswalk, anticipate drivers from any and all directions.

Most drivers are texting and driving. Some aren’t even paying attention to you and do not see you at all.

To some drivers, you are the dreaded and perceived obstacle preventing them from being at home with their husbands, wives or children.