I know that Maine law says that pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks, and I try my best to check in all directions as I approach those areas, but pedestrians should take some responsibility for their own lives.

If people could take their eyes off their phones for just a moment or two as they step off the sidewalk, just to be sure that they aren’t walking into the path of an oncoming vehicle. I know that it is a driver’s responsibility to let pedestrians pass, but if it is too late for the driver to slam on the brakes it won’t do a pedestrian much good recalling that he or she was on the right side of the law while spending years in pain or wheel-chair bound, or perhaps in a grave.

And bicyclists, too. Recently, on busy multi-lane Main Street, near Court Street in Auburn, two bike riders sped across the road between the lines of cars as I approached in the extreme right lane. Luckily, I was able to use my brakes before hitting both bicyclists. They went merrily on their way on the sidewalk while I was feeling grateful that my seat belt stopped me from slamming into my steering wheel.

Joel Goodman, Auburn