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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Mocking victim in accident cruel

Re: Not using a crosswalk can be a fatal mistake editorial, Dec. 16

Having my father killed and then mocked for daring to delay a driver is one of the most offensive things a family member can imagine.

My dad, Jack Schaffer, was a law-abiding citizen for his entire 84 years. He served in World War II and was twice decorated with a Bronze Star for valor and twice with a Purple Heart. He jumped into Normandy for D-day.

He returned to civilian life and operated a textile business that employed dozens of people for four decades. He raised a family that included me. He was a member of the VFW and several associations and donated to several causes over the years.

He owned a home in Largo for a decade, had a dog and yes, we stayed in touch. My sister assisted in his day-to-day care for the past 10 years, and we had no reason to expect him to die, especially to end a long life by getting mowed down on the street by a driver with little or no regard for human life.

Let's take a minute and be clear about my father and his scooter driving.

Florida Statute 316.130 states that a pedestrian must cross at a right angle to the roadway when not using a crosswalk and crosswalks are not required. My dad was obligated to use due care for his safety and the safety of the automobile traffic. The automobile driver could have simply touched the brakes or shifted lanes to avoid killing my father.

Crosswalks 800 meters apart are not helpful or easy to use. Have you ever tried to cross six to eight lanes of traffic in less than 30 seconds when you are 84 years old? I have visited Largo for a decade and can attest to two things: The lights are short and the drivers rude and disrespectful of walkers.

Choosing to use a car does not afford any extra rights to drivers to kill or injure people, nor does it absolve the rights of those who walk or ride a bike or a scooter, in spite of the opinion of your paper and of so many other people in this region.

My father survived two wars, traveled the world for years and lived a life full of adventure, family and gainful employment. He was an important part of my life and was worried sick on my last deployment to Iraq. I have served 25 years in the military myself and never considered anything I have done as risky or dangerous as either his World War II service or crossing a street in your county.

I would like for you to at least consider printing my response to your mocking of my father's life and death. I would also like to take the time to encourage your readers to do something a little different from your idea that we all drive every place we go or expect death. If you are driving and you see an old guy crossing the street, take a second to let him pass. If you want to floor it and turn left, take a second and see who is trying to make it across the wide intersection on elderly legs. When you see a school zone sign, slow down and let the kids cross the street.

Owning a car is neither a license to kill nor does it give you the right to lord over people who are either too old or too young to drive.

Eric P. Schaffer, Spokane, Wash.

Re: Not using a crosswalk can be a fatal mistake editorial, Dec. 16

Make it illegal to cross midstreet

As I was driving south on Missouri Avenue last Wednesday afternoon, it quickly became clear to me that a bad accident had occurred. It wasn't until the following morning, when I read the story in the Times, that I learned that 84-year-old Jack Schaffer was hit by a truck as he tried crossing six lanes of traffic on his three-wheeled electric scooter. The fatal error was that Schaffer didn't use a crosswalk.

Even though it's not against the law to cross a street outside of a crosswalk, it definitely goes against conventional wisdom. Unfortunately, another senseless, but tragic death resulted from doing just that.

Even though we motorists bear the brunt of the responsibility, pedestrians should do their fair share as well. Maybe if a law were passed making it illegal and punishable by a fine to cross a street without using a crosswalk, there is a possibility that more lives could be saved. I, for one, propose that we go for it.

JoAnn Lee Frank,Clearwater

Re: Not using a crosswalk can be a fatal mistake editorial, Dec. 16

Have respect for folks on sidewalks

Vehicles blocking the sidewalk can also cause fatalities, but police ignore this and other illegal acts by drivers.

For example: Several mornings a week the Snap-on Tools truck parks straddling the sidewalk in front of the Goodyear Tire shop on Belcher Road north of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, forcing pedestrians and wheelchair/scooter traffic into the oncoming traffic.

Last week, we got a double. The trucker and a man driving a full-size sedan were both parked on the sidewalk and having a lengthy chat. I spoke to them and was told, "Yes, but we'll only be a few minutes." They obviously have no respect for the foot traffic and even less for the Clearwater police, whose marked car sat in the Goodyear lot along with three or four other vehicles. The lot can easily hold about 25 cars.

Deane Lang, Clearwater

Re: Property's fate worries residents story, Dec. 12

It was hoot to read woes of Sand Key

One of the many reasons I enjoy the Times is the sublime humor I find in so many of the articles. Your article on the Sand Key residents being up in arms over the possible loss of their one and only shopping center was priceless.

I remember when Sand Key was a beautiful spot where all could come to enjoy the surf and the fishing, maybe do a little camping. As with so much of Florida, this beautiful spot has been ruined by the rich. And now they are upset because they don't want to deal with the mess their rich contemporaries have made of Clearwater Beach.

What a gas. Tears streamed down my face I laughed so hard. It amazes me the amount of space the Times devoted to this oh so serious problem.

Carl J. Babnik,Dunedin

Re: Volunteers sought to clean along parkway story, Dec. 2

It's a shame slobs litter our grounds

Clearwater's Parks and Recreation Department asked for volunteers to help clean up the Courtney Campbell Parkway.

What a shame that we need to clean up after the slobs who litter our beautiful country! Almost everywhere I go, there are tons of trash because of those in society who choose to live that way. I see children as well as adults throw whatever and wherever they want!

That also goes for the smokers throwing their butts out and their cigarette wrappers. Would the slobs throw trash and butts in their own yard? Probably not.

Wake up, America! Take pride in your home. Next time you want to throw something out, wait till you get home and dispose of it in the proper trash receptacle (possibly recycle) or use one that is provided elsewhere.

Diane M. Greenman,Largo

Your voice counts

You may submit a letter to the editor for possible publication through our Web site at www.tampabay.com/letters, or by faxing it to (727) 445-4119, or by mailing it to Letters, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. You must include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

[Last modified December 18, 2007, 20:32:17]