As I ambled aimlessly onto a pedestrian crossing in the busy commercial district of Siesta Key, Florida, a massive black pickup truck blew through the stop sign, coming within about a metre of ending me. "Yeah, keep driving like that and you'll end up dead or in jail," I yelled. In retrospect, this seems like pretty quick thinking but extremely stupid vocalising, as I'm guessing 50-75% of Florida drivers have a gun handy at all times. For all I know, it may be illegal to drive a pickup in the Gunshine State without a firearm. Thankfully, the driver was too busy being an arse and accelerating to be bothered by my barbs. So many pedestrians, so little time.
I walk a lot, especially when it's warm, which it was in Siesta Key. Walking is certainly the oldest, arguably the simplest, and some say the best form of exercise there is. In the US, however, it is nowhere near the safest. Whereas pedestrian deaths have been falling almost everywhere in the OECD's orbit (comprising 38 of the world's highest-income countries), the US hit a 40-year high in 2021. Cycling fatalities are on a similarly sad trajectory.
Denne historien er fra April 01-07 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra April 01-07 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sights to behold
Being blind didn't deter Aucklander FRASER ALEXANDER and his partially-sighted wife from travelling in Europe. Their memories were shaped by sound, touch and smell.
Pages of delight
Charming survey of children's literature throughout the centuries should be treasured and reread.
Heart of the matter
Women are less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than men, and less likely to get best treatment. Researchers are struggling with old stereotypes to right the balance.
Balaclava beats
Their paramilitary shtick is intentionally menacing, offensive and alienating, but to be fair to the hip-hop trio Kneecap, their infamous balaclava is disarmingly hilarious. Kneecap, the 2024 movie that offers a fictionalised account of their rise to fame, is a Bafta- and Oscar-nominated Northern Irish film sensation.
Friends like these
One of the stranger characteristics of the populist oligarchy mobilising around Donald Trump's new administration is the interest taken in the domestic politics of the UK.
Irresistible force
A new documentary about gentle rugby giant Jonah Lomu reveals little but is a reminder of what made him special.
Fleeing the nest
A tale of building a new life after an abusive relationship makes for an impressive debut.
Life less ordinary
Chelsie Preston Crayford follows a big 2024 with a new comedy role and putting the finishing touches on her debut feature as a director and writer.
Not on our watch
Nasa, one of the most technologically advanced organisations on the planet, made prospective astronauts take inkblot tests to determine their sexuality.
No free lunch
The new, cut-price school lunch programme will shut out many community providers. But will bulk-supplied meals meet children’s needs?
