I agree wholeheartedly with Jessica Dellen: Her science savvy is nearly nonexistent ("A Quick Lesson in Physics, Biology for Safe Walking," Jan. 27). When quoting Newton's laws of motion, one should be sure to fully understand them in order to avoid sounding foolish. Dellen states that when her 1.4-ton Pontiac (seems a little light) impacts a 100-pound (also seems a little light, this is America after all) student at 25 mph, both will come to a stop.

I doubt it, and Newton would back me up if he could. Instead, the Pontiac would slow down slightly and the student would speed up rather quickly. This would be accompanied by the crunch of bone and plastic. Science aside, I don't think this is hard to imagine. Granted, the pedestrian will eventually come to a stop, but only after flying several feet and bouncing off the pavement a few times. Moving on to Dellen's guide on when to cross the street, she says if you can't hear her engine, you're clear.

This might be true of ye olde Pontiac as it clatters its way down the road, but in general this might not be the best idea. I actually agree with Dellen's point. This is a walking campus, but pedestrians should be careful. But at the same time, as drivers we are responsible for keeping our eyes open for pedestrians. Even if they are operating outside the law, it's our job as people to avoid killing them.