The traffic pattern on Bethlehem Pike in Flourtown has presented new and different challenges for pedestrians.  While traffic has mostly slowed down to an annoying pace, this has made a lot of drivers desperate to find openings to get out of the local commercial establishments along the road.  Now Starbucks has moved almost next door to Dunkin.  Both have drive-thru service.  Frankly, you take your life in your hands if you are a pedestrian on the sidewalk walking past these two coffee shops.  People are often in a hurry to get their coffee and get out-this is the reason people like drive-thru service.  Add to this the fact that the most traffic takes place during rush hour in the morning.  People are in a hurry to get to work and the traffic is usually backed up.  Drivers can be pretty heartless about letting cars enter the roadway when they are in a hurry.  Maybe drivers exiting the driveway after service are looking both ways before entering Bethlehem Pike but are they looking for pedestrians on the sidewalk?  Not so much. Mostly they are looking for an opening in traffic which is now rare due to the new lane setup.  I would wager most drivers are laser focused on whether there is a big enough opening in vehicular traffic to escape the driveway.  It is very hard to look both ways and flawlessly confirm no vehicles AND no pedestrians.  

Sandra Worthington of Worthington Law Group has represented numerous vicitms of this situation on Bethlehem Pike.  If you or a loved one have been injured as a pedestrian along Bethlehem Pike, call her at Worthington Law Group for a free, confidential consultation about your case at (215) 576-5150.