Daughters jogging in black drive mom crazy
Re Intersections are too dark and dangerous at night, Norris McDonald
I agree that people should wear something reflective/bright so they are seen but that is easier said than done. My own daughters jog regularly in black, which drives me crazy. And they wear headphones so they probably can’t hear cars coming.
I’ve bought them some great wrist and lanyard lights that Lee Valley Tools sells and they won’t wear them. Sometimes you just can’t help people.
As a driver, I would appreciate the lights at intersections.
Jade Downey-Ging, Toronto
Re Sarcastic Canadian @luckhardtjason @TorontoStar @NorrisMcDonald2 the light would have to be placed well above the signal to stop it from blinding ppl looking at the signal.
I would like to congratulate you on this excellent article. It mentions so many of my night-driving concerns (including the brown and black clothing worn by pedestrians and even cyclists). I often believe that pedestrians think that because they can see us — large, well-lit cars — that we can see them.
It is a shame that many of us have to curtail nighttime driving because of a problem that could be eliminated. I do hope officials consider seriously and quickly (as winter approaches) your excellent idea.
Paula Kirsh, Toronto
I don’t think that the answer to the problem of drivers seeing pedestrians in the dark will be solved by just putting up more lights. In fact, there is probably no good answer to this problem, due to the physiology of human vision and the decline of its capability with age.
If you compare the vision of a 20year-old with a 60-year-old, the older person needs about eight times more light to see as well as they did at age 20.
Then there is the question of “acquiring your night vision,” which requires at least five minutes in the dark to begin to “see well” (although complete night vision — such as humans can have — takes from 45 minutes to an hour).
When I started driving cars and motorcycles in the 1950s, I was advised when making a long night trip, and stopping at a brightly lit restaurant or gas station, to wear sunglasses while exposed to the bright lights. The shading of the eyes would speed the recovery of “night vision” when heading back onto the dark roadway.
These days, a night trip along a 400series highway in built-up areas is almost like a daytime drive but when the highway goes out into non-urban (unlit) territory, it can feel like driving or riding off the edge of the world for several minutes.
When on the motorcycle day or night, I have long used a bright helmet and Hi-Viz over-vest. It is best, in my experience, never to rely on other motorists to see you.
Allan Johnson, Georgetown
I am a senior, still driving and so far with an excellent driving record. Your article resonated with me in a very personal way.
I also find many intersections in the GTA very poorly lit. I used to think that it was because of my age-related vision (my last vision checkup was perfect, though).
On my street alone, there are lights that are covered by tree branches and are too weak. From time to time, city crews come and do some clearing, but it is not enough, nor is it satisfactory.
Haig Misakyan, North York