Following the deeply dispiriting death of seven-year-old Georgia Walsh many thoughtful people have talked again about the importance of making eye contact between motorist and pedestrian. It’s very speculative in the Leaside case because we have no official version of what happened at the corner of Millwood Rd. and McRae Drive Wednesday afternoon. But we do know that somehow little Georgia got out in front of a minivan that was turning west. She was crossing from north to south so it is easy to see how eye-contact, if there was any attempt to accomplish it, was difficult. The vehicle was approaching Georgia from behind. Whatever happened, experienced drivers will know that eye contact with pedestrians can be an effective way to ensure safety and timely manoeuvring at a corner or elsewhere. When old friends are saying goodbye on the sidewalk inches from the roadway where a driver it trying to turn right, they aren’t looking at his car. A savvy driver with a responsive well-adjusted horn is often able to catch the attention of a person on foot before he or she toddles backwards out into the road. But most cars are built with horns that send one signal — a super loud blast suited to stopping a train. Where is the pedestrian horn, the signal that sends a polite “excuse me” to distracted adults and kids at close quarters? It is a question for traffic safety and automobile manufacturers. Police talk about making eye contact and wearing bright clothes. But it takes two to make eye contact. Where is the pedestrian horn on your car?
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Following the deeply dispiriting death of seven-year-old Georgia Walsh many thoughtful people have talked again about the importance of making eye contact between motorist and pedestrian. It’s very speculative in the Leaside case because we have no official version of what happened at the corner of Millwood Rd. and McRae Drive Wednesday afternoon. But we do know that somehow little Georgia got out in front of a minivan that was turning west. She was crossing from north to south so it is easy to see how eye-contact, if there was any attempt to accomplish it, was difficult. The vehicle was approaching Georgia from behind. Whatever happened, experienced drivers will know that eye contact with pedestrians can be an effective way to ensure safety and timely manoeuvring at a corner or elsewhere. When old friends are saying goodbye on the sidewalk inches from the roadway where a driver it trying to turn right, they aren’t looking at his car. A savvy driver with a responsive well-adjusted horn is often able to catch the attention of a person on foot before he or she toddles backwards out into the road. But most cars are built with horns that send one signal — a super loud blast suited to stopping a train. Where is the pedestrian horn, the signal that sends a polite “excuse me” to distracted adults and kids at close quarters? It is a question for traffic safety and automobile manufacturers. Police talk about making eye contact and wearing bright clothes. But it takes two to make eye contact. 
