The Devonport Flagstaff Page 28
May 30 2014
Pip wants safer driving at crossings Devonport drivers are ignoring pedestrian crossings and putting the lives of the young, old and disabled at risk says Multiple Sclerosis (MS) sufferer Pip McNair. McNair gets around on her mobility scooter and has been taking family dog Foster for regular walks to Mt Cambria. But not a day goes by where at least one car runs the zebra crossing in front of her. “I want people to be more aware of the young and old and the disabled like me, when we are waiting at a zebra crossing. Some drivers already are, and they often give Foster and me a wave. But every day there is at least one person who doesn’t stop. Usually I give them a mean look and shake my fist,” she says. Shaking her fist is a bit of an effort for McNair these days. She was diagnosed with MS 20 years ago at the age of 26. Most of last year, she has had a particularly difficult time. “I wouldn’t get out of bed and never wanted to leave the house,” she says. McNair says her carer Loretta Devonshire’s positive outlook played an important part in getting her out of her slump. “Loretta makes me go out. I have even been to New World a few times and the Devonport Primary School fair,” she says. A special highlight has been going again to watch son Lockie (12) play cricket and daughter Tessa (16) race in triathlon events. The daily gettogether with other dog owners at Mt Cambria is another. “The bottom line is that I like people and enjoy being out, as long as I don’t get run over at a zebra crossing one day,” McNair laughs. “Drivers have to slow down a bit and work on being more aware and respectful of pedestrians crossing the street, especially Victoria Road,” she says. McNair has always been a keen swimmer and still visits the pool once a week with her sister Louise. “I get a belt put around me to lower me in the water but what I would really like is for someone just to throw me in one day,” she says.
Out and about but wary of errant drivers… Pip McNair with her carer Loretta Devonshire and dog Foster
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