I will preface this by stating that I am in no way attentive enough to cross a road without nearly getting run over (shout out to everyone who has saved me from incoming traffic). However, after having been in Edinburgh for just over a month, I am still shocked by the etiquette of drivers on the road. I should not have experienced this many close run-ins and my life flashing in front of my eyes so many times.
I don’t know what prompts the drivers to seemingly accelerate when they see me scurry across the road. I will not lie; it has made me question my appearance and the general vibe I give off – what specific bit of me resonates with “potential hit and run roadkill?”
Even though I do proudly sport my green provisional licence, I do have some limited knowledge of the right of way. I know that when I cross a junction, drivers should stop – I think… Moreover, I am supposed to book myself driving lessons here soon, but does that mean that I will soon be subject to the same mindset? Will I too, also nearly run over fellow peers?
Therefore, I plead that if you drive, or know anyone roaming the roads of Edinburgh, please be mindful of the dipsy pedestrian like me and remember that I would rather die with a degree to my name, rather being a lowly first year who is still yet to adapt to this new lifestyle.
“stop sign charleston” by Charleston’s TheDigitel is licensed under CC BY 2.0.