relievedFortunately for me, I had been reading recent "Mr. Roadshow" columns in the San Jose Mercury News about the so-called "California Stop" (motorists coasting through stop signs without stopping), and partially because of that, was extra-alert for such stunts. I shouted and lept clear, with the truck missing me by only centimeters. No harm done, but it was a frightening experience. Maybe it wouldn't have killed me, but I doubt I would have been in good shape had the truck hit me -- especially as it would have thrown me into the middle of the intersection, where there were other vehicles coming through.
I wrote to the SJMN's Gary Richards and thanked him for having run items that made me alert enough to save my life. I do wish that motorists would not drive as though pedestrians didn't exist.