As a disabled student on campus, I drive to class. This puts me in a constant struggle on the road with my peers. As pedestrians, they seem to believe they have the right of way, everywhere, always. Not only on foot, but on bikes as well, which are classified as vehicles and are supposed to abide by all vehicle rules.

Too many times I will be driving, and oblivious pedestrians, often on their iPods or phones, step out in front of me, causing me to hit my brakes to avoid striking them. Bicycles constantly zip diagonally through four way intersections like they’re invincible.

When you are home, do you step into streets randomly? No, because you don’t expect cars to automatically stop for you. I understand this is a college campus, where many don’t have cars or prefer to walk. Additionally, I would love to reduce my carbon footprint, but unfortunately, driving is my only option.

Jessica Evers’ story in Thursday’s paper was largely irrelevant to the quest for pedestrian safety because of details included only after her pity party: she was jaywalking. She was in the wrong. She could have easily walked to the proper crosswalk, waited for her turn, and crossed safely, but instead, she thought she was an exception to the rule. Consequently, she was struck by a driver who wasn’t expecting her to be in the middle of the street.

While drivers are sometimes at fault, pedestrians don’t have a right to complain about safety if they don’t practice it, too. Their recklessness is not only a danger to themselves, but to drivers as well. The road is for cars. Take responsibility for your own safety. Be smart, use crosswalks, follow the rules, and thereby reduce accidents. Do your part. Safety is a two-way street!

Jessica Bailey is a senior majoring in studio art.