Times are tough for New York pedestrians these days (or just about most big cities), as one woman from New York City has proven that even following rules and street signs is bound to get you in trouble. The NYC woman was merely crossing the street when a car suddenly tried to conquer the crosswalk.
TikTok user Yamms91, also known as @thiscantbelife1, is the woman in question, and she posted the incident on her TikTok account. The whole standoff occurred around May 29 in a Bronx crosswalk in New York City, and Yamms91 was supposedly in the right of way, something she even revealed in the video, as the crosswalk light was lit. That didn’t matter for a Honda SUV owner who tried to force their way into the crosswalk:
In case you couldn’t hear what she was saying because the Ode to Joy music overlapped on the video, Yamms91 gave the Honda SUV driver a piece of her mind.
“I’m crossing the street, I have the light, and this d***head drives on– look at this. See what I’ve been talking about in New York City? Little dumb sh*t!,” says Yamms91 before she cut off the video
It’s not clear what happened after the video was cut, but it appears neither Yamms91 nor the Honda SUV driver escalated the standoff and likely went about their separate ways, with Yamms91 being able to cross without further incident. Subsequent videos that the TikTok user has posted didn’t reveal any information or possible development about the crosswalk incident. Even so, Yamms91’s video has since gone viral for pushing for pedestrian right-of-way, especially against reckless NYC drivers.
People Praised Her Resolve
Due to overwhelming evidence that Honda SUV driver broke street etiquette and the law, Yamms91 garnered much support for her reaction and how she handled the situation. In the video, you can clearly see and hear the Honda SUV honking at Yamms91 despite being wrong.
Some people even stated what they would’ve done in Yamms91’s place in a similar situation, with many electing to further annoy and “delay” the unruly driver by pretending to tie their shoe or walking slower:
“Girl, take your time. I love taking my time walking 👏👏,” suggests lanini_0119
“literally like ill bend down and tie my f***ing crocs in this crosswalk tf u gonna do,” according to 98gabs98
“stopping in the intersection to make this video 😭 respect,” says Mary….안나
“Then he got the nerve to honk,” fumes lemons.mmm
“I never miss an ‘I’M WALKING HERE’ opportunity ✋️” jokes ItsDrumEmBass
Despite having the right of way, however, some people online were still against Yamms91’s response and were accusing her of deliberately blocking the road:
“Just cross already 👀,” states shorti097
“You have the right to cross. Not stand in the street,” retorts reeyreey00
“So you wanted him to wait before he was supposed to turn and let you go? The point of pulling up to the crosswalk is to wait for you to cross. Making it difficult for him so you could hit record is a new low. Do better. Be better. Cross the damn path,” argues M 🇧🇩
The mixed response has since led to further debate about pedestrian rights. Hence, despite being established already in driving schools and drivers’ manuals, some car drivers still disregard the pedestrian right-of-way, just like what happened in a similar incident.
