Drivers need to be careful downtown

What is it going to take for some of the folks who drive in and through the town of Culpeper to learn that you are supposed to yield the right of way to pedestrians who are attempting to cross the street at a crosswalk?

When I am trying to go to the post office or to shop downtown, I feel like I am putting my safety in the hands of some careless people when I try to cross the street.

Last week I parked on Main Street, right across from Frost Cafe.

I walked down to the corner of Main and West Culpeper streets, and I waited and I waited to get across the street.

Finally, a nice person going south on Main Street stopped and let me go across.

I proceeded to the middle of the street, but the person driving a tractor trailer north through town just gave me a nod and a “thank you” wave and drove on, not even slowing down.

Now, was the driver thanking me for giving him the right of way or waving goodbye in case he hit me?

Even the people behind him went on past me. I would not have gotten across if the light at Chandler Street had not turned red and stopped the traffic.

I really have been thinking that the Culpeper police are lax in their job concerning the safety of the town’s pedestrians.

While I was shopping on Davis Street recently, I mentioned my frustration to a nice young woman working in one of the shops. She said that she knew that the police are frus-trated as well and that they have been taking steps to remedy the gross negligence, ignorance and apathy of some drivers.

One dear, sweet lady was hit and killed a couple of years ago near the post office What else is it going to take?

Wake up, people, and drive more carefully!

Eleanor James is a resident of Culpeper.