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Manners Matter: Crosswalks

Dear Mary Pat,

Am I supposed to stop at crosswalks this time of year? There is an old guy who walks through town a lot and glares at me if I don’t stop for him when he’s even approaching the crosswalk.  

Signed,
Motoring Through
Baileys Harbor, Wis.

Dear Motoring Through,

Where did you learn how to drive? Seasonal crosswalks? No. We do not have seasonal crosswalks. Maybe you are confused because they don’t put the crosswalk cone reminders out in the winter. The cones will be making an appearance soon, even though the highway department shouldn’t need to remind everyone of Driving 101. Pedestrians have the right of way when they are in the crosswalk. Even if you have to apply the brakes abruptly, you still need to come to a full stop and let them take their time crossing. Maybe you should study up on the rules of the road so that you don’t get too many annoyed glances coming your way.  

Good luck,
Mary Pat