We almost just got creamed. It was pretty scary to see that 18-wheeler slide through a red light at the corner of Johnstone and Adams. Especially when the little walky guy was showing in the crossing light and Rabi and I could have been in the crosswalk.

We walk a lot, as you know. Crossing at Johnstone and Adams is at least a twice daily maneuver and oftentimes we cross more than that. During the day, the light stays red forever. I’ve even seen people in cars get out and press the walk button thinking that it might prompt the light to change faster. You could grow old waiting for that light to change.

But between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.? You only need to press the button (or drive up to the light) and it will change immediately. You have The Power.

I’m not going to lie. I like having this power. Some days, I stop no one. Some days I stop a slew of cars and other days, I thank God that I chose to look both ways before crossing the street, even if I do have the walky guy, so we don’t get creamed.

The posted speed limit on Adams beginning at Cherokee and going until just past the railroad tracks is 30 mph. Now, I’ve never driven an 18-wheeler but I’m going to make a guess that if I were driving my big truck through Bartlesville at a max of 30 mph, I’d be able to stop at any of the lights safely, without having to slide through the red. But this isn’t limited only to the big trucks. Little trucks, big cars, small cars, all speed through and many have to slam on their brakes when faced with The Power. Some don’t make it.

We will continue to walk safely so that they don’t cream us and be thankful for The Power so we can play our tiny part in the traffic control of Bartlesville. 🙂