If I were to leave a note, I would make sure that it gave them the benefit of the doubt and was not accusatory. You don't know who the driver was--it could have been a guest. I would probably write something like this:

Hello,

I was taking a walk today, when a car quickly backed out of your driveway and nearly ran me over. It did not appear that the driver checked behind them before leaving your driveway as the car came within inches of me. This was a very scary experience for me and could have resulted in serious injury (or death).

Please be sure to remind your family and guests that this is a suburban neighborhood with children and pets, and failure to drive accordingly could have dire consequences.

thank you, a concerned neighbor

I'm sure that was scary for you, and thank goodness you are ok. Personally, I would not leave a note. Sure it may help you to reconcile what they did, but as harsh as it sounds, you said yourself you don't know the people there or how they would react and sadly, based on his/her actions I really don't think it would matter to that person.

You don't know who was driving. Let it go.

It's true, I don't know who was driving and it could have been a one time thing - and I've been living and walking here for many years without any incident.

And maybe it's not my place to teach this person how to drive. I will be very observant of cars in their driveway from now on.

I live in a rural/suburban area on a road that dead-ends into a nature preserve of a few hundred acres. Our road is not the main access to the preserve but is used for foot access and has parking for 2 cars. Without the preserve, our road itself is heavily used for walkers and runners, people take advantage of the lack of traffic and run to the end and back.

I have a 16 year old son with a drivers licence I definitely would want to get that note.

Every mother of a child with a new DL, that I know, would want to get that note.

Non-accusatory, simple FYI.

I wouldn't leave a note.

Wouldn't leave a note. There may have been many reasons this person bolted, could have been on the phone with an emergency. I live in an area like yours with many activities outside along the road, no sidewalks. We stay aware of our surroundings, even bicycles can be a danger. There have been many times I have crossed the street if it looks like I may be in the way. Thankfully you are okay, a bit frightening.

I would leave a note. Like localeater, I would want to know if it were my son, or one of his friends driving. If it were a kid walking behind the car instead, without the keen knowledge that maybe someone might back up without looking or the fast reflexes, the outcome could have been worse. I live in a neighborhood with lots of kids walking and riding bikes to and from school, so I am vigilant about cars going to fast or not stopping at stop signs. Most of the time they just get the "evil eye" from me, but at least they know, even though they probably don't care anyway.

A note like furby stated above is what I would do.

I see the note leavers are perhaps outweighing the don't leave a note people. I guess if I leave something it should be simple, straight to the point and not emotional.

I would take it as a learning experience!! I would not leave a note... I can think of lots of notes I would like to leave for drivers!!! almost every time I drive on the turnpike!

I'm with MtnRd. I would not leave a note unless it became a regular occurrence. Even then, I think I would prefer to have a face-to-face, rather than a note.

I am in agreement with the concept that this may have been a one-off as MtnRd. calls it - certainly I've been walking here for years and it never happened before. If it happens again, then I will leave a short note. I'm a little shy so I'm not sure I would like a face to face encounter.

I think I needed time and to hear what others said to let go of my feelings of anger and fear etc. Thanks for your help.

I already responded with the type of note I would leave IF I were to leave a note. But the more I read responses and think about it, the more I am sure that I would leave a note. It may have been a one time incidence--but you don't know. You only know that it was the one time you witnessed it. You also don't want there to be a second time. A second time might not end without injuries.

You don't have to worry about retaliation if your letter is anonomous. If the letter is non accusatory, you can hope that it will be received in the manner it was written.

As I write this response, I am thinking of our neighborhood, which is a family neighborhood. Sometimes, my husband drives faster than I think is appropriate, and I hae remind him to slow down. I just found out that a neighbor's dog was hit. I told my husband, and I know it was a wakeup call to drive slowly. A letter from a neighbor commenting on his driving would have the same effect.

It may be that this neighbor needs a reminder as well. And, even if they are not the type to normally back up without looking, the note should help ensure it doesn't happen again. And, as mentioned by others, if it was a teen driver--the parent would want to know.

I guess I am kind of thinking that leaving a note is the responsible civic thing to do. You are not the only one who walks in the neighborhood.

I don't see how leaving a note could hurt, and it may very well help.

I have mixed feelings about this because I was nearly killed by a painter who was working on my house. Somehow he turned on the gas by leaning on the range buttons and the strike plates weren't on the hobs so it didn't light. He left and I was upstairs and luckily my SO came home early (by more than an hour). I needed to be roused and normally I wake up when the front door opens, so I was definitely getting gassed. My neighbors were just at the point of calling the gas co. emergency line.

I never said anything because what are you supposed to say? "You nearly killed me on Friday but you didn't?"

So I understand the point of leaving a non-accusing note, but after the fact, its impact is diminished. I guess part of the problem is that it would horrify someone who would not normally do something like that and it would not have much of an impact on someone who is careless. Because I know someone who was hit by a car and the driver blamed them to everyone who would listen. (Even though the victim was not at fault, and eventually died, indirectly as a result of the accident).

Just in the last few days I have heard of a distant acquaintance being killed in a car accident - leaving a young child - and, totally unrelated, of another who is in ICU after managing to push his young child out of the way of a car and being hit himself. I don't think it would hurt to leave a matter of fact note - and it is not inconceivable that it might prevent future maiming or death. I think taking time to write a matter of fact note is a good idea.

Wow, some of your stories about accidents as scary and sad.

palimpsest, you were very lucky but you must have felt very awkward around the painter and probably watched him like a hawk, as well as checking the stove.

I would not leave a note, but you should if it will make you feel better.

Being a neighborhood walker, after then more then a few close calls, I have learned to always get the attention of the driver before I cross a driveway and hear the motor running. I start waving til we meet eye contact.

I'm finding my risk of being hit is by an electric car that comes quietly up behind me in areas where there is no sidewalk.

Be safe.

ML

wow!! in the case of the painter, I think would have said something - you knew specifically who it was and what happened...(as long as you were certain it wasn't you, your so, or someone else who left the knobs slightly askew...)

there are just so many people it seems that drive somewhat/very distracted these days that it's really our job to stay very defensive... in your case, I would have probably shouted/waved my arms or something to get the driver's attention at the time if I or someone else was almost hit --- I just question the effectiveness of an anonymous note to an unknown driver left after the fact...

unfortunately waaaayyyy too many accidents happen and I think it's best if we are vigilant and defensive ourselves to help keep ourselves safe. most people know the law and what they should be doing- but for any number of reasons, don't --- next time the same person is running late and is angry or distracted leaving their house, I don't think a previous note would make a difference......

Well I haven't left a note but ever since then I've been more alert when out walking.

You know the address and you can possibly get the license plate of the car if it resides there. I would check the internet to find out whether an elderly person lives in the house - an elderly person who possibly should not be driving any more.

You could go to the local police station and tell them what happened.

Perhaps that would have an impact if you lived in Mayberry and Andy or Barney were taking the report, but around here, the cops would look at you like you'd lost your mind if you came into the station to report a car backing out of a driveway too fast without looking first.

graywings123, in was a man - I'm terrible with age but I would put him in the 30 yo category.

Sadly, I think jellytoast is right.

"What would you do in this situation?"

I would go to a park or other area designed for walking, bicycling, playing, etc.

I am always amazed at how people use roads for recreation. Walking, bicycling, strolling babies, walking dogs, playing ball, children unattended, day and night (in dark clothing no less), two and three abreast. And I have seen some extremely foolish and careless or clueless behaviors along with doing this.

It is a dangerous activity and an accident waiting to happen.

I don't see anyplace where they said they weren't walking on a sidewalk when the car pulled out. In any case you should be allowed to actually walk places, especially in a residential neighborhood, and keep your fat @55 out of the drivers's seat.

Loo"I don't see anyplace where they said they weren't walking on a sidewalk"

Neither did I. I looked.

Sidewalks aside, in my post. They are obviously made for those activities. She didn't specify.

My point is that, if you want to play in the streets, you are taking your life and limb in your hands. It's a road first. That is not excusing reckless driving. But accidents also happen. Regardless, the consequences are grave.

Roads are not recreational areas. I see them used that way all the time. And very carelessly!

If these are roads within a residential development and there are no sidewalks, the roads are for both pedestrians and car traffic. People can't be expected to hop in their car to go to a neighbor's house ten doors down. Although people often do.

many suburban neighborhoods are built without sidewalks--- when I lived in those neighborhoods, I walked in the streets all the time. it's very easy to share the road- esp when cars follow the posted speed limits ! I also always walked against traffic.

now, biking or walking on nearby roads which have posted 45mph speed limits and no designated bike lanes- that's scary even tho those roads are supposed to be shared too!!

I do think some pedestrians are too careless these days tho- partially because 'pedestrians have the right of way' and it seems that some people take that to mean they can just walk in front of cars and they should/will stop!

I edited my post to be clearer what I mean.

"I do think some pedestrians are too careless these days tho- partially because 'pedestrians have the right of way' and it seems that some people take that to mean they can just walk in front of cars and they should/will stop!"

Exactly!

Reckless is reckless.

Walking on the wrong side of the street gets my goat. With headphones to boot! Walk against (facing) traffic so you can see what's coming up the street. A lady with a baby in a stroller walks with the traffic on my street and I just want to run out and tell her to walk on the other side of the street. My neighborhood has no sidewalks and with a heavy walking, running, biking contingency on the street. DH has had several close calls on his bike due to people not paying attention.

I live in a congested area where there are people and cars everywhere. Rare is the day when I don't have a close call with someone almost backing into me, almost running into me, almost running me off the road, almost rear ending me, etc., etc. It's par for the course and it's a good day if they don't actually make contact with me. I'm guessing that the OP must live in a very quiet and sparsely populated area for this "situation" to even register on her radar. In these days of distracted driving, you can't rely on others to be aware of you. Chances are they are looking at their phones as often as they are looking at the road.

I know... I want to be the texting tattler when I drive!! so many people texting and driving! I used to occ see someone swerving on a road/interstate and would think- uh-oh, watch him- he's had one too many...

now I regularly see someone swerving or slowing down and then speeding up again in the left lane and see their heads doing the texting bob- drives me crazy.

"Wreckless is wreckless." Meaning no wrecks. OTOH, reckless means utterly unconcerned about the consequences of some action; without caution; careless.

Reckless behavior leads to the opposite of wreckless. ;-)

Well, excuse me for misspelling a word online after a long, tiring week. I do know the difference, if that is supposed to somehow be educational. (I've seen the grammar police up in arms here many times!).

I would think good comprehension skills would compensate in being able to interpret what another is saying, if the misspelled word (god forbid) was somehow confusing. Lord knows people need them in this world. More than spelling.

I guess it could have read rather funny!

But thank you, I have corrected my silly looking spelling ;)

I didn't mean to be the police, but the amusing thing was that it was so very contrary and therefor funny. They're, theirs my apology.

Well, I live in a suburban area where there are no sidewalks and I walk facing the direction of traffic, during daylight hours and I don't listen to music - nothing in my ears to block sound. The school district considers it safe because they let the children off (from kindergarten to high school) at bus stops and expect the them to walk on the street to their homes. Houses here are spread out, long wide driveways and multiple garages so the streets are not blocked up with parked cars. Streets are reasonable wide so there is room for more than three car widths. I see people of all ages walking on our streets from infants being pushed in carriages by their moms to grandparents visiting. And many are out walking their dogs. Our streets are winding, meandering ways that link up to busier straight main streets where most of the traffic remains. The only people driving on the side streets are people specifically going to an address on that street so limited traffic.

snookums2, I don't know where you live or your experience, but I'm surprised that you are so negative about people living in the suburbs like I do. Walking on the streets when is the norm here. I have lived in many places and in different countries - I completely understand that in a city with a large dense population, heavy traffic and sidewalks that the only time one would walk in the street is to cross it when traffic is stopped.

I am lucky that I have several gorgeous local parks as well as a large nature reserve nearby and when the weather is bad I do walk in malls - and since I walk several miles daily, I visit all of these on a regular basis. But frankly I like just walking out my front door, and not getting into a car to drive 10 minutes before I can walk - there is something extra special about just walking in the neighborhood.

They're, theirs my apology.

Tongue in cheek, I hope?

There, there's my apology.

Check it out,,,

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3067016/comforting-a-grammar-nazi?n=20