Pedestrians

It is indeed appalling that over 2,800 pedestrians were hit by cars, and nearly 200 killed (editorial, Jan. 24). To understand the cause of this tragedy, we only have to look as far as examining the primary purpose of the streets and highways: to allow the swift and efficient movement of motor vehicles, not as foot trails.

In other large cities, this problem is sensibility and efficiently solved. London and Paris have many pedestrian tunnels under intersections. In many cities over there, the pedestrian has no rights. But here, pedestrians have the supreme and uncontested right of way and frequently get hit when they dash across the streets. After all, the cars have to stop for them, don’t they?

Much of this attitude starts in childhood. We are taught that the cars will always watch out for us. This usually works well, with a few (dead) exceptions.

JACK SMITH

Lake Forest