NationStates Jolt Archive

Ok, so as some of you may know, I am a postal worker working in Mystic, CT. Mystic is a touristy town, and has a lot of people that are well off, financially. Well, today was the Mystic Outdoor Arts Festival, which was attended by a lot of people (who apparently have enough disposable income to buy art from a roadside vendor). Having to drive through that mess makes me wonder why more people weren't taught common courtesy, and how to cross the street without getting killed. Why must people walk or run out from behind a fully enclosed canopy or parked vehicle, and into the road? Then, after I slam on my brakes, why do they wave like I meant to let them cross? These aren't kids, these are older adults. Also, why do these same people intentionally walk down the middle of the road, even when they're walking straight at my (slowly) moving postal vehicle? Why do they insist on attempting to cross the street without a glance in either direction (then yell at me to watch where I'm going, after again having to slam on my brakes)?

I just want to know why.

because they think,it's somehow special day,and think on that day they can walk whereever they please?

People are idiots. In other news, water is wet.

People are idiots. In other news, water is wet.

and bears shit in the woods. *nod*

Ok, so as some of you may know, I am a postal worker working in Mystic, CT. Mystic is a touristy town, and has a lot of people that are well off, financially. Well, today was the Mystic Outdoor Arts Festival, which was attended by a lot of people (who apparently have enough disposable income to buy art from a roadside vendor). Having to drive through that mess makes me wonder why more people weren't taught common courtesy, and how to cross the street without getting killed. Why must people walk or run out from behind a fully enclosed canopy or parked vehicle, and into the road? Then, after I slam on my brakes, why do they wave like I meant to let them cross? These aren't kids, these are older adults. Also, why do these same people intentionally walk down the middle of the road, even when they're walking straight at my (slowly) moving postal vehicle? Why do they insist on attempting to cross the street without a glance in either direction (then yell at me to watch where I'm going, after again having to slam on my brakes)?

I just want to know why.

Here's an idea to manage pedestrian stress: Contemplate point values. :)

and bears shit in the woods. *nod*

that reminded me of a line from Grand Theft Auto:San Andreas:''Do polar bears shit in the woods?''

Here's an idea to manage pedestrian stress: Contemplate point values. :)

They really should make a game where you just run over people. *nod*

They really should make a game where you just run over people. *nod*

Deathrace 2000 the Video Game!

Deathrace 2000 the Video Game!

i actually found a game on Newgrounds,where you just run people over.it was made by Tom Fulp,the founder of the website

They really should make a game where you just run over people. *nod*
Carmaggedon, dude. Carmaggedon.

Here's an idea to manage pedestrian stress: Contemplate point values. :)

If only, LG. If only. :D

Back when I lived in Oregon, our town had a big event called 'Sandcastle Day', when people from all over the country would change out their brains for cheap rental models. Oh, how the residents of the town dreaded the day when the signs went up designating parking areas (there was one parking lot in town. And it was a pay parking lot. So everybody parked on the street sides.)
That was the time everybody broke out the 'private property - no parking' signs to put in their driveways. Because if you didn't you might come home to find a group of Californians had pitched their tent on your yard.
Then the day came when both sides of the street were lined with cars. And the streets themselves were jam-packed with people trying to find parking places. All of them impatient. Keep in mind that the street in question was built as a highway in the 1950's, and thus was roughly four car-widths wide. Which meant that the repair shops made a killing on replacing side mirrors in that season.
The entire Cannon Beach Police Department consisted of five officers. All of whom were usually far too stoned to deal with traffic direction, and were occupied with stopping all the fights on the beach anyway.
Meanwhile, the actual residents of the town were being accosted on the street with questions along the lines of "Is this the town hall?" "Where can I get a hotel room?" and "where's the beach?"
My answer to the last one was usually to adopt a slightly shocked expression and ask, "Hexcuse mhe, hai ham nhot speaking the Henglish vhell. You askh vhere his fhemale doog?"

What you have experienced is what I refer to 'Holiday Syndrome', or 'Tourist Syndrome'. I believe its a government conspiracy whereby gas companies and airlines are required to add a chemical to their fuel and/or air filtration system. This chemical alters the brain chemistry of those who are exposed to it in large amounts, causing them to A) Lose roughly 40 IQ points and B) Spend money in large amounts.
Hence, the walking in front of cars, crossing the street from cover without looking, driving like an idiot and so on.

Ok, so as some of you may know, I am a postal worker working in Mystic, CT. Mystic is a touristy town, and has a lot of people that are well off, financially. Well, today was the Mystic Outdoor Arts Festival, which was attended by a lot of people (who apparently have enough disposable income to buy art from a roadside vendor). Having to drive through that mess makes me wonder why more people weren't taught common courtesy, and how to cross the street without getting killed. Why must people walk or run out from behind a fully enclosed canopy or parked vehicle, and into the road? Then, after I slam on my brakes, why do they wave like I meant to let them cross? These aren't kids, these are older adults. Also, why do these same people intentionally walk down the middle of the road, even when they're walking straight at my (slowly) moving postal vehicle? Why do they insist on attempting to cross the street without a glance in either direction (then yell at me to watch where I'm going, after again having to slam on my brakes)?

I just want to know why.

Because they know, no matter what, the driver is wrong if he hits the pedestrian no matter what stupid thing the pedestrian was doing, and if they live, they'll sue.

Bonus points for being able to sue the government as well as the driver.

Because they know, no matter what, the driver is wrong if he hits the pedestrian no matter what stupid thing the pedestrian was doing, and if they live, they'll sue.

Bonus points for being able to sue the government as well as the driver.

Hmm, we need to re-vamp that system.

Because they know, no matter what, the driver is wrong if he hits the pedestrian no matter what stupid thing the pedestrian was doing, and if they live, they'll sue.

Bonus points for being able to sue the government as well as the driver.

So basically what you're saying is, if I hit them, leave no survivors. Got it. :D

Or witrnesses, or their KIN will sue.

So make sure all are accounted for, and leave none alive! Freedom through depraved butchery!!!

So make sure all are accounted for, and leave none alive! Freedom through depraved butchery!!!

Nah, I was joking. The paperwork involved wouldn't be worth it. Doesn't mean we can't have a laugh though. :p

People are morons. Today, waiting for a bus, I watched a whole family of idiots (ye gods, how did they figure out how to make that baby?) try to cross a street and figure out which restaurant they wanted to go to at the same time. It took them the better part of a quarter of an hour and for some reason involved a lot of milling about in the middle of the street (which had traffic on it) while yelling questions at each other from several yards away and talking on their cell phones. It was a mind-boggling performance.

On the other hand, drivers are no better. I just finished a week's temp assignment at the Boston Registry of Motor Vehicles Board of Appeals. What a bunch of fucking idiots walked into that place! Just getting through the RMV lobby was a dangerous task. I swear, it's no wonder so many thousands of licenses get suspended/revoked every year. These people don't know how to pick lanes even when they're walking through a building!

and bears shit in the woods. *nod*
http://www.mrmystic.com/images/Bears-Crapping-in-Woods.jpg
Note the source there. :)

Nah, I was joking. The paperwork involved wouldn't be worth it. Doesn't mean we can't have a laugh though. :p

...which begs the question...
if they call it tourist season, what's the bag limit? :tongue:

Seriously? I love Mystic, some of the best memories of my teenage years were born there. :wink:

Because Mystic is just so relaxing and you don't expect much traffic in the small town atmosphere.

Why were you going so fast near an outdoor festival that it would require you to slam on your breaks? Surely you realize you should have slowed down as a precaution.

http://www.mrmystic.com/images/Bears-Crapping-in-Woods.jpg
Note the source there. :)

But does it meet Title V regs? :p

Why were you going so fast near an outdoor festival that it would require you to slam on your breaks? Surely you realize you should have slowed down as a precaution.

5-10 mph isn't fast at all. When I have to try to stop INSTANTLY though, I do have to slam on my brakes.

Pedestrian 5 pts
Biker: 10 pts
Skate Boarder 15 pts

You earn 5 bonus points for each of the following: Didn't see it coming, You manage to keep thier phone in tact, they have a mullet or similer annoying hairstyle, they are on the crosswalk, green traffic light facing you.

You may claim an extra 10 points if: They are yard/garage sale browsing, Tourist, Death is instant and painless, baby on board, you actually swerve on to the sidewalk to hit them.

Also, all scores are doubled if you do it in full view of law enforcement, quadruple points if you escape.

Ok, so as some of you may know, I am a postal worker working in Mystic, CT. Mystic is a touristy town, and has a lot of people that are well off, financially. Well, today was the Mystic Outdoor Arts Festival, which was attended by a lot of people (who apparently have enough disposable income to buy art from a roadside vendor). Having to drive through that mess makes me wonder why more people weren't taught common courtesy, and how to cross the street without getting killed. Why must people walk or run out from behind a fully enclosed canopy or parked vehicle, and into the road? Then, after I slam on my brakes, why do they wave like I meant to let them cross? These aren't kids, these are older adults. Also, why do these same people intentionally walk down the middle of the road, even when they're walking straight at my (slowly) moving postal vehicle? Why do they insist on attempting to cross the street without a glance in either direction (then yell at me to watch where I'm going, after again having to slam on my brakes)?

I just want to know why.

You should try cycling in Cambridge.

Pretty buildings and good history + Japanese tourist + students on bikes = fun times.

Pedestrian 5 pts
Biker: 10 pts
Skate Boarder 15 pts

You earn 5 bonus points for each of the following: Didn't see it coming, You manage to keep thier phone in tact, they have a mullet or similer annoying hairstyle, they are on the crosswalk, green traffic light facing you.

You may claim an extra 10 points if: They are yard/garage sale browsing, Tourist, Death is instant and painless, baby on board, you actually swerve on to the sidewalk to hit them.

Also, all scores are doubled if you do it in full view of law enforcement, quadruple points if you escape.

Damn. With those rules, I could have racked up a hell of a score. Quick question though. Does the score doubling stack, if there's more than one police officer there (there were about 4 in one small area, and another couple of officers further down the road)?

Deathrace 2000 the Video Game!
VIDEO game? So that's what I did wrong...
Here's an idea to manage pedestrian stress: Contemplate point values. :)

Average middle age adult: 10 points
Elderly (with walker or cane): 20
Small child: 50
Mother with stroller: 75
Happy-looking couple holding hands: 100
Entire perfect Connecticut family (LG and GM will understand that): 1000 if you miss the golden retriever, -1000 if you hurt the dog.

But does it meet Title V regs? :pProbably not, but it's hard to find a sympathetic ear from a bear these days.

You should try cycling in Cambridge.

Pretty buildings and good history + Japanese tourist + students on bikes = fun times.

Cambridge has good cycling lanes.

I am absolutely on the side of the pedestrian where we're talking about small town centres. I also take particular pleasure in walking down the middle of the street.

What I find odd about drivers is that they have to get to their destination, that's it and any slight obstruction or delay is treated as some great offense against them.

I can hardly believe every driver has set deadlines to be somewhere yet the horn is never far from their mind if there's a hint of having to slow down or, god forbid, actually stop.

Something about putting someone inside a car turns them into complete assholes sometimes.

Fair enough, the OP is a postal driver, one might expect him to go a little...

...wait for it....

...

Postal! :D

Postal! :D

Indeed, actually I was going to write 'completely fucking mentally insane' but that'll do :)

Ok, so as some of you may know, I am a postal worker working in Mystic, CT. Mystic is a touristy town, and has a lot of people that are well off, financially. Well, today was the Mystic Outdoor Arts Festival, which was attended by a lot of people (who apparently have enough disposable income to buy art from a roadside vendor). Having to drive through that mess makes me wonder why more people weren't taught common courtesy, and how to cross the street without getting killed. Why must people walk or run out from behind a fully enclosed canopy or parked vehicle, and into the road? Then, after I slam on my brakes, why do they wave like I meant to let them cross? These aren't kids, these are older adults. Also, why do these same people intentionally walk down the middle of the road, even when they're walking straight at my (slowly) moving postal vehicle? Why do they insist on attempting to cross the street without a glance in either direction (then yell at me to watch where I'm going, after again having to slam on my brakes)?

I just want to know why.

Because people no longer think they should have to take any responsibilty for their actions, while you must do everything that you can in order not to hit them if they jump right out in front of you so that the only way you can avoid hitting them is to swerve into a tanker killing yourself, it has nothing to do with them.

People just don't give a shit anymore.

Ok, so as some of you may know, I am a postal worker working in Mystic, CT.

I didn't know that. Besides the idiots running into traffic, how do you like that job? I'm taking the exam Tuesday. ;)

I didn't know that. Besides the idiots running into traffic, how do you like that job? I'm taking the exam Tuesday. ;)

Sorting sucks on heavy mail days, but I (usually) like delivering. I also like working with many of my co-workers. Many of the people I deliver to are nice, too (as long as they're not out running into my path). The postal vehicles suck though, because they're uninsulated aluminum bodies. So in the summertime you bake (there's no A/C, and the window needs to be open for curbside mailboxes), and in the winter you freeze (the heat is hit or miss). Oh, and did I mention the body rattles and makes enough noise that a radio is functionally useless (not that it has a built in radio).

Indeed, actually I was going to write 'completely fucking mentally insane' but that'll do :)

Sorry to disappoint you, but I was insane BEFORE I started working at the post office. :p

Sorting sucks on heavy mail days, but I (usually) like delivering. I also like working with many of my co-workers. Many of the people I deliver to are nice, too (as long as they're not out running into my path). The postal vehicles suck though, because they're uninsulated aluminum bodies. So in the summertime you bake (there's no A/C, and the window needs to be open for curbside mailboxes), and in the winter you freeze (the heat is hit or miss). Oh, and did I mention the body rattles and makes enough noise that a radio is functionally useless (not that it has a built in radio).

Ah, well. I'm looking forward to to it anyway, if I pass the exam. The downside here is that they're only hiring temps, one day per week for Saturdays, according to the packet. Do people usually start as temporary before being hired full-time out there, or is it just us in California?

Ah, well. I'm looking forward to to it anyway, if I pass the exam. The downside here is that they're only hiring temps, one day per week for Saturdays, according to the packet. Do people usually start as temporary before being hired full-time out there, or is it just us in California?

No, that's pretty much standard. You'll be able to bid on a career position after you've been there a year (if there are any available).

Ok, so as some of you may know, I am a postal worker working in Mystic, CT. Mystic is a touristy town, and has a lot of people that are well off, financially. Well, today was the Mystic Outdoor Arts Festival, which was attended by a lot of people (who apparently have enough disposable income to buy art from a roadside vendor). Having to drive through that mess makes me wonder why more people weren't taught common courtesy, and how to cross the street without getting killed. Why must people walk or run out from behind a fully enclosed canopy or parked vehicle, and into the road? Then, after I slam on my brakes, why do they wave like I meant to let them cross? These aren't kids, these are older adults. Also, why do these same people intentionally walk down the middle of the road, even when they're walking straight at my (slowly) moving postal vehicle? Why do they insist on attempting to cross the street without a glance in either direction (then yell at me to watch where I'm going, after again having to slam on my brakes)?

I just want to know why.

Meh! It makes me laugh, the pedestians, complain about teh cars, the cars complain about the bikes, and the bikes complain about the pedestrians. It seems that everybody thinks they 'own the road'.

Are you really complaining about the problems you had biking through a festival? I mean could you not have gone a differant route? You must of known the roads would be full of walkers.

Meh! It makes me laugh, the pedestians, complain about teh cars, the cars complain about the bikes, and the bikes complain about the pedestrians. It seems that everybody thinks they 'own the road'.

Are you really complaining about the problems you had biking through a festival? I mean could you not have gone a differant route? You must of known the roads would be full of walkers.

I wasn't on a bicycle, I was in a postal vehicle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_LLV). And the postal route I was on takes me right through that area.

I wasn't on a bicycle, I was in a postal vehicle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_LLV). And the postal route I was on takes me right through that area.

Still, though I'm sure there's some exaggeration, you had to 'slam on the brakes' in an area you should know to have many pedestrians ambling around.

For me, it speaks to the god-given right people think they have when they get in a car. People are enjoying a pleasant day out but no, they're have the temerity to cause slight delay to the driver.

Could you not have rolled down the windows, slowed to 5mph and cheerily waved at people enjoying a day out in what seems a nice town?

I wasn't on a bicycle, I was in a postal vehicle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_LLV). And the postal route I was on takes me right through that area.

Opps my mistake.

So then are you really moaning about your problems in driving around during a festival? Whats the point in doing that? I mean by that whats the point in moaning about somthing that you had little control over, and surly you must have expected this?

Saaaaay, you're just venting aren't you!:D

Still, though I'm sure there's some exaggeration, you had to 'slam on the brakes' in an area you should know to have many pedestrians ambling around.

For me, it speaks to the god-given right people think they have when they get in a car. People are enjoying a pleasant day out but no, they're have the temerity to cause slight delay to the driver.

Could you not have rolled down the windows, slowed to 5mph and cheerily waved at people enjoying a day out in what seems a nice town?

I don't think you understand the situation fully. I was doing about 5-10 mph through that area. The pedestrians were walking from behind the canopies (which extend out from the narrow sidewalks into the already narrow street) less than 5-10 feet in front of me. And it's not "they have the temerity to cause slight delay to the driver", it's "they have the temerity to risk an accident which could prove fatal to them, cost me my job (the post office doesn't like when carriers have fatal MVAs, regardless of who is at fault), and ruin me financially when their family sues, even though they were the ones not watching where they were going".

My windows were rolled down (it was a hot and humid day), I was driving slow (as I said before, I was only going between 5-10 mph), and I did wave to some people. Just not the ones that walked out literally right in front of me.

Opps my mistake.

So then are you really moaning about your problems in driving around during a festival? Whats the point in doing that? I mean by that whats the point in moaning about somthing that you had little control over, and surly you must have expected this?

Saaaaay, you're just venting aren't you!:D

Just a little. :wink:

Although I do have at least a passing curiosity about the questions I posted in the OP.

I don't think you understand the situation fully. I was doing about 5-10 mph through that area. The pedestrians were walking from behind the canopies (which extend out from the narrow sidewalks into the already narrow street) less than 5-10 feet in front of me. And it's not "they have the temerity to cause slight delay to the driver", it's "they have the temerity to risk an accident which could prove fatal to them, cost me my job (the post office doesn't like when carriers have fatal MVAs, regardless of who is at fault), and ruin me financially when their family sues, even though they were the ones not watching where they were going".

My windows were rolled down (it was a hot and humid day), I was driving slow (as I said before, I was only going between 5-10 mph), and I did wave to some people. Just not the ones that walked out literally right in front of me.

Been there, seen that, many, many times. It really makes you wonder how they've managed to live this long unaided, doesn't it?

Just a little. :wink:

Although I do have at least a passing curiosity about the questions I posted in the OP.

Hows this for an answer then.

During such times as street festival, where the number of pedestrians normaly vastly outnumber the drivers, then I guess each and every pedestrian feels like they have right of way in such circumstances.
And if the old adage about possestion being 9/10 of the law is correct then I would say they certianly do!

Hows this for an answer then.

During such times as street festival, where the number of pedestrians normaly vastly outnumber the drivers, then I guess each and every pedestrian feels like they have right of way in such circumstances.
And if the old adage about possestion being 9/10 of the law is correct then I would say they certianly do!

By law, pedestrians have the right of way in CT. That's not what I have a problem with. It's the ones that don't look or think before they pop up from behind something (van, canopy, etc) directly in front of me.

By law, pedestrians have the right of way in CT. That's not what I have a problem with. It's the ones that don't look or think before they pop up from behind something (van, canopy, etc) directly in front of me.

and therein lies the hazard of living in any town the least bit "touristy". Hardwick,MA hosts the oldest town fair in the U.S.A., I KNOW from wherest hence I speak! :p

Damn. With those rules, I could have racked up a hell of a score. Quick question though. Does the score doubling stack, if there's more than one police officer there (there were about 4 in one small area, and another couple of officers further down the road)?

Unfortunately no, the competition rules make no exceptions for the number of officers present.

Unfortunately no, the competition rules make no exceptions for the number of officers present.

Damn! Oh well, I still could have racked up an awesome score.