I was very surprised to read the  column (“Some basic precautions can make the roads safe for everyone”) in last week’s Beachcomber to which an entire half-page was granted.

My surprise was due to the fact that the article is in direct contradiction to Washington State Law. Washington RCW 46.61.250, “Pedestrians on roadways,” clearly states that pedestrians are to move off the roadway for approaching vehicles. Here is the statement directly from the RCW:

“Where sidewalks are not provided any pedestrian walking or otherwise moving along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk or move only on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction and upon meeting an oncoming vehicle shall move clear of the roadway.”

— Bill Lyell