Commander’s Action Line: Crosswalk talk Published Sept. 3, 2009 72nd Air Base Wing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Q: The improvements to the pedestrian crosswalks on the north end of Bldg. 3001 have helped motor vehicle drivers see those crossing the busy street. However, we need to remind those using the crosswalks that pushing the button to turn on the flashing light doesn't apply the brakes to my car. I have observed people crossing without looking both directions to see if it is indeed safe to cross. I have seen others, not even bothering to push the button, just keep on walking expecting the motor vehicle operator to yield to them. These folks either have a careless attitude or a very strong faith in their fellow man. To be on the safe side, do what your mother told you long ago - look both ways before you cross the street. If you don't -- I hope you took her advice to have clean underwear on for your ride to the emergency room. A: Great observation -- an informal survey was accomplished shortly after the solar-powered, personal-operated crosswalk lights were installed. For the first month of their existence, usage rates were approaching 80 percent. After three months, that rate was done down near 33 percent. Complacency is an unfortunate human trait we cannot get away from. People who use crosswalks daily (this is intended for all crosswalks) seem to forget about the "Right of Weight" rule (if it's bigger than you, it has the right of way). A person will not win an argument with a car. Motorists are required to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and should be looking for them everywhere (as people are more unpredictable than animals that run into the street). Pedestrians need to remember that the motorist has the "right of way" if they are crossing the street anywhere other than a crosswalk. We all need to work together and be good Wingmen, looking out for one another. Most crosswalks are well marked, but drivers seem to be preoccupied and run right up on them. Pedestrians are also preoccupied and tend to not look, assuming that cars will be looking for them. Please don't be that trusting. Look both ways before you step out in front of that 3,000 pounds of metal hurtling toward you at 40 feet per second.