By Marion Presley Santa Monica
I find it completely unfathomable to me that in your article that City Manager, Lamont Ewell, was quoted as having said “We need to be mindful of how distracted some of our drivers have become over the years.” (”Deadly crash has residents fuming,” page 12, May 4) I agree that both the pedestrian and the driver need to be highly aware of their surroundings. However, It is commonplace for me to see drivers using cell phones while they are driving.
This seems to be the primary distraction as they are either dialing, answering, or speaking to someone on the phone and there is no way possible for them to be aware of others; their focus is completely on the person they are speaking to at that time on the phone. Even as technology advances that make it easier to use the phone hands-free, it doesn’t diminish the lack of concentration by the driver on what is going on around them as they are driving. Haven’t you seen cases where a driver is either eating/drinking, checking there appearance in the rearview mirror, maybe even applying makeup or brushing there hair, all while they are talking on a hands-free cell phone; I have seen it often, especially here in Santa Monica. It would be an interference; they would have to find a parking place and pay the meter; these are some of the rebuttals I am sure we would hear if drivers were approached with these issues. They would consider their personal rights as being taken away if these items were even under discussion, which is doubtful given Mr. Ewell’s comment. Isn’t it more important to look at why the drivers are distracted and try and discuss those issues.
Instead Mr. Ewell puts the onus on the pedestrian; we who walk either for health or environmental concerns, or perhaps because we have no other means of transportation. We have a city which touts itself on environmental action; who has tried to create an environment where walking is supposed to be a viable option; ultimately they bend to the wishes of the wealthy. Once again, they are more concerned about any changes or accountability placed on those drivers speeding; going straight through back street intersections without even looking; than they are about us who walk for whatever reason. Once again we see the same old tired story, the ones with the money have the ears of government officials and ultimately will get what they want. How can I not believe that given Mr. Ewell’s statements, that pedestrians will be given more rules and be harassed by the enforcers, SMPD; or nothing will be done at all to hold the drivers responsible or accountable for their actions. The result will ultimately be the same; the governmental officials that we should be able to trust to protect us will find a way to protect the wealthy, do nothing of substance for us and them claim, “Look what I did for you!”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 7, 2007. Read the original PDF.