On Crossing the Street and Living Dangerously

Photo by myself, somewhere in Midtown.

Usually at every street corner you will find a motley assortment of people. On this particular corner, a group of fashionistas.

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Tonight, my walk to the subway reminded me that crossing the street can be dangerous.

A group of people decided to cross the street without looking at the light, simply because one person started to cross. Then, everyone crossed. Cars started honking and people ran to the other curb.

No one was hurt. Happens all the time. Basic herd mentality. Dangerous.

Years ago, a coworker friend of mine crossed the street downtown. She walked behind a car that overshot the crosswalk. At that instant the car backed up, hitting her.

My friend was thrown backwards to the street. Both her legs were dislocated at the knee. She couldn't move. But a bystander, who happened to be a paramedic, ran into the street, grabbed her from behind and shook her body violently, snapping both legs back in place.

My friend was fine and walked away from the incident. True story.

Which goes to show that accidents almost happen, and do happen all the time in New York. Fortunately, there is no shortage of witnesses!

For an earlier post about crossing the street like a New Yorker, click here.

Related posts: At a Standstill, in Midtown, People, People, Everywhere and Tough Times, Midtown.