IN THE never-ending cycle of articles about how drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians are self-centered jerks, I was glad to see a bit more attention on the last category on Sunday (“Crossing to their own beat,’’ Page A1). However, among the statistics presented on accidents, injuries, and fatalities, I would like to have seen a breakdown of how many pedestrians were in or out of crosswalks as well as the status of “Walk’’ signals.
One aspect that I wish I could lodge in the heads of people who walk out in the path of cars is that, when people jaywalk into traffic, they are taking it on faith that the driver actually sees them and will stop. Given the range of distractions these days, pedestrians need to consider that they’re invisible. They had better hope, when they step off the curb against a traffic light, that the guy driving toward them isn’t changing songs on his iPod or yelling at his kids in the back seat.
With reduced visibility caused by sun or glare or obstacles such as trucks and SUVs parked along the curb, is it that much trouble to look both ways and make sure drivers see you? You know, like you were taught in kindergarten?
Stuart Goldman
Somerville 
