The street I live on doesn’t have a sidewalk. Runners, people walking to the bus, drivers, and cyclists share the same road. Traffic is relatively sparse; there are seldom several cars at once going in either direction.
When I’m walking on the road outside my house and a car is coming towards me, one of two things happens. Either the driver slows down and pulls way over into the opposite lane, giving me almost my whole lane to myself, or the driver maintains their speed and swerves just enough not to hit me.
Both actions keep me alive and the driver from going to jail. But the first choice demonstrates that the driver is aware that I’m a person, in the road, and that I’ll probably feel safer if they do more than required. Slowing down, giving room—these are ways we signal that we’re willing to go the extra mile (or in this case, a few yards) to ensure that others feel safe around us.
It’s thoughtful to let other people know you notice them, and that you’re being safe on their behalf. Let’s do all we can to take care of each other.
