Should service members be able to jaywalk since they have the right of way on a military base?

SPC Daniel Edwards — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 23:31:05 -0500

I have always been told to stop and wait until it is clear to cross a street. Since joining the military, I have seen a lot of people play chicken with cars on post because of an apparent regulation that states something in the ballpark of "all cars will stop for a soldier crossing the street."

I personally do not want to play chicken with a 1/4 ton vehicle that is traveling on average 25 mph. I'm sorry but I love having the ability to walk to much to play that game. But I constantly see people who think that the car is always just going to stop on a dime just because you're running late for a formation and you do not want to wait.

I can understand having traffic stop for an entire formation heading somewhere, but I feel that if it is just a few people (not in any formation whatsoever) heading somewhere, then they can wait until the coast is clear.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 11:38 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 23:38:00 -0500

Worse is when they do not even look.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 9:24 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 09:24:49 -0500

Pedestrians always have the right of way. Was it different when you got your license?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2016 9:46 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Aug 2016 09:46:18 -0400

The J. in my initials stands for my first name, Jay.

So, there I was in DC, just got off work at my civilian job (I'm USAR/TPU), and where I was going was right across the street from where I was. I waited for traffic to clear, and ran across. All of a sudden I hear someone near me holler "Hey you in the suit!".

I turned around and saw a cop getting in my face. He was going to write me a ticket for jaywalking. He asked me my name, and I said "Officer, I better show you my ID, because if I tell you my name you're going to think I'm being a smartass and take me to jail.".

Without missing a beat, he said "Oh, and I suppose your name is Jay Walker?". After seeing my ID and that that is in fact my name, he doubled over with laughter, and yelled "Get the hell out of here before I change my mind."

Of course, that only works once.......