There is this busy street between our house and downtown. During my early days here in the U.S. I have witnessed a couple of car accidents in its intersection. There is something about this street that makes people drive carelessly. In fact, I wasn't alone in my observation, within 2 years instead of "cross traffic does not stop" signs on the North-South streets it became a "Stop" on all 4 corners.

That was 4 years ago. I don't know what it is in this street that makes the West-East drivers still feel they have the right of way. Are most of them not from the area and just ticked off that having 2 successive traffic lights before and after this intersection makes them want to bear down on a crossing pedestrian or even another vehicle? I swear, just a nanosecond pause from me behind the wheel is already a long enough cue for the West-East drivers to cut me off.

Just this afternoon, I crossed southwards and was in the middle of the road when this SUV barrelled down past me. This twentysomething woman driver had her big sunglasses trained in front of her pretending to be unaware of this person in the middle of the street. I felt like slapping my hands on the door (yes, that was how close I was) and jolting her awake. HELLO!!! Driver's Ed, anyone?

Still, nothing is worse than trying to cross that street with your small child. One time, we were at the curb but had to pull back when, from my left peripheral vision, I saw a car trying to beat us to the crosswalk. I was so mad, I yelled out, "ASSHOLE!" to the passing car loud enough for my voice to bounce across building walls. I mean, seriously.

Don't underestimate moms with small kids. Moms will kill to protect their child. One time I swore I was going to make a big sign with the word "IDIOT!" emblazoned across it that I can take along and flash to offending drivers when Evan and I am at that road. After a few incidences with drivers on their celphones stopping just 2 feet from me when they should be at least 5 yards away, behind the line of another block has made me swear of looking into of what I can do as a citizen to make using celphone while driving illegal in my city.

And you know what, one day I just might do that. Thanks to Dempster Street.