I'm very sore as I type this so I will be brief.

Walking into school today some kids and I were at the crosswalk.

A pickup truck was over the line sitting there, and we, as pedestrians (not invisible ones, but it seemed like we must've been) started across.

The guy just accelerated out of nowhere.

The one kid moved ahead and it only grazed his leg, but knowing there were other kids behind me, I put my hands on the hood to keep him away from the kids as well as myself.

He didn't stop right away until later when he hit the brakes and I was flung into the air and landed in the road.

The kids helped me up and all the guy did was get out of the car and say, "You alright buddy? You sure? OK, I gotta go to work." and he left.

We got his tags and the police took a report.

I am incredibly sore and my right foot, right hand and back and neck are hurting, but I'm alive (thought I was a gone for a minute) and more importantly, so are those kids.

Frickin' idiot.

People are in such a hurry, especially in the mornings they have no regard for anybody but themselves.

Damn, I am sore.

Nothing broken or fractured to my knowledge so far.

I can say I will be hurting worse tomorrow.

Never trust the roads my friends...

I hope you are okay and nothing was broken. People are crazy out there.

Sounds like it could be leaving the scene of an accident. Get yourself fully checked over ASAP, document it, and call Saul.

Hope you feel better.

Sorry to hear about this, Pete. If you haven't been checked by medical personnel, please do so as soon as possible.

Feel better soon.

Definitely see a doctor, glad it wasn't much worse!

What they all said. DEFINITELY get checked out, and thank your lucky starts it wasn't worse!

Hopefully the guy gets the steel bracelets and a day in front of a judge.

Definitely have a doc look you over.

Good grief, Pete. I hope everything is okay and great work keeping the kids out of harm's way.

Thank goodness you're still with us, Pete. Yes, get checked out by a doctor no matter how you feel.

Sorry to hear this happened. Be well my friend.

Glad you seem to be OK, but it's gonna hurt more in the morning. Please see the doctor.

I'm glad that you weren't seriously hurt, Pete. Make sure to see a doctor just in case.

Dang, Pete. One would never think that doing a routine thing like you were doing would end up that way.


That all said, here in Minnesota, we have an insane law. Pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way. State law.

Cool.

The problem is drivers. Even with that law, people are getting hit at insane rates. Many aren't even aware of the law (drivers and pedestrians alike). My problem is giving pedestrians the right to cross at any given crosswalk and not expecting problems.

Now, this isn't a crosswalk like the one Pete was engaging in.... at a school with several kids and waiting to cross. This is any given crosswalk. I have witnessed numerous times people literally screeching to a stop to allow someone to cross.

Back when I was a kid, you waited for traffic to pass before crossing the road in a crosswalk.

Thoughts anyone?

Very happy and relieved that you're still among us, Pete. Take care of yourself with a visit to the doctor.

Regarding what Mark in Minnesota said, I think a big contributor to accidents of this kind is people being distracted by phones and other devices, whether they are drivers or pedestrians. It's amazing how many people I see driving with their phones in their hand or looking down frequently to read texts, I assume, and there seem to be just as many pedestrians doing the same, almost oblivious to what's happening around them. At least, that's the way it seems with students at the university where I teach. I also think they (and even pedestrians without the distraction of phones) often assume drivers will stop for them when they step into the road.

Very much looking forward to driverless cars, is all I'll say.

So sorry to hear this Pete. Thank God you were there to look out for the children. Damm people are so in a rush and distracted. Scares the hell out of me.

Take care my friend and everyone is so right about the Dr. visit. I would also consult with a lawyer as well. This guy needs to be investigated and possibly charged.

Rick A.

doctor and lawyer...just in case.

you never know.

I hope all is well and wish you a speedy recovery as needed.

Great job by you, walkin' dude, to look out for the kids.
I hope there are no lasting health issues with you, and the bastard has to pay a price.

Dude shouldn't have run. He will be in jail once they get him. I truly hope you will be ok. I hate when people hurt others and take no responsibility for their actions.

Well, no fractures which is very good, but otherworldy pain which they told me would hit me soon.

It did.

I'm alive and the kids are safe, but damn, that was a close call.

Seriously thought I was a goner.

Thanks for the thoughts guys.

The police will get the guy. Flying like that at a school crosswalk is just so wrong.

Glad to hear you're okay, Pete.