Vigil tonight for UW sorority member struck, killed by car

awayngone said on November 12, 2009 at 11:52 AM

As tragic as this is, I'm not surprised. I'm also a UW senior and in my time on campus not a day has passed that I have not witnessed countless instances of students stepping off curbs in front of cars, and THEY NEVER EVEN LOOK UP, let alone look both ways; Bicyclists ignoring stop signs on the Burke-Gilman trail before sailing merrily into traffic; Students who do look up but still step in front of cars trusting that surely a driver MUST see them. There seems to be some sense of pedestrian entitlement running rampant both on and near campus that allows these people to believe that the laws of physics don't apply to them. They may have the right of way in many instances but the right of way won't save you when a 5,000 lb car comes into contact with your skull. I'm so sorry for the lost opportunities this lady will never experience and my heart breaks for her family. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. I can only hope this brings some awareness of pedestrian responsibility on campus.

kiddinlikejason said on November 12, 2009 at 12:40 PM

I have to agree with awayngone, although this is a tragic situation I too have witnessed this during my time at UW. Students and pedestrians alike will cross red lights and step in front of cars without checking and it was all a matter of time. My best wishes to her family and friends.

sinistral said on November 12, 2009 at 1:36 PM

Agreeing with the two previous posters. The U-district and Burke have close calls on a daily basis... we need better lighting (hand-operated crossing lights) and smarter cyclists (use a light, at least slow down at a stop sign)

impoorbutsexxxy said on November 12, 2009 at 2:28 PM

"The driver of the Honda, a 20-year-old man, was questioned and released after police found no sign of drug or alcohol impairment, reported the UW newspaper The Daily" uhhhh, so its her fault for running in front of a car with a green light unless the driver has intoxicants in his pee, then its the drivers fault. nice I bring this up because someone I know hit a bicyclist a few years back who rode out in front of him and when they checked his system, they found THC and he was charged with vehic assault. Not any proof he was high at the time of driving but at some point in the last 10-30 days.....I always have a hard time finding the justice in that, of course, tragic either way.

dr_cooper said on November 12, 2009 at 3:12 PM

What a shame the reporting isn't better. This "green light" deal doesn't say if it turned green for her or, the driver. In anycase, another young life cut short. Way too sad , , ,

frred said on November 12, 2009 at 6:42 PM

Not the first time, surely won't be the last. Buncha liberal idiots in this area.

frred said on November 12, 2009 at 7:56 PM

K5 censorship Nazis--at it again