On rainy days, many people use umbrellas to keep dry and avoid arriving at their destination looking like a drowned rat with soggy hair and makeup streaked down their face. However, if umbrella users are inconsiderate of other pedestrians and passengers, they can frustrate and anger other people. Keep these guidelines in mind when you take out your umbrella.
Opening Umbrellas
When opening an umbrella, particularly one that opens automatically, make sure it is pointing away from other people and that the canopy won't hit them as it opens. If your umbrella is already wet, also ensure that it won't spray water at people nearby.
Umbrella Size
Umbrellas take up more space than a person usually takes and the bigger the umbrella the more unwieldy it becomes. Use a personal-sized umbrella rather than one with an extra-large canopy that takes up the entire sidewalk and forces other pedestrians to walk around or risk losing an eye.
Consider Approaching Traffic
As people approach you from the opposite direction, raise your umbrella so they can pass underneath and don't have to walk around. If the other person is also carrying an umbrella, adjust the height of your umbrella to pass either below or above their umbrella.
Close Umbrellas When They're Not Required
If you are already under a cover or canopy, close your umbrella. Or, leave the covered areas for people who don't have umbrellas and take your umbrella into the rain where it serves a purpose.
Don't Drip
On buses, trains, and other public transportation make sure your umbrella doesn't drip on other passengers. It's a good idea to carry a plastic bag and put your wet umbrella in the bag while you don't need it so it doesn't drip on others. If a store or office has an umbrella rack, use it rather than carrying a dripping umbrella around or put your umbrella in a plastic bag so it doesn't drip on the floor.
Drying Umbrellas
Once you arrive at your destination, if you plan to dry your umbrella opened (which is advised to prolong the life of the umbrella), find an out-of-the-way area and be sure wipe up any water that drips on the floor while the umbrella is drying.
Disposing of Broken Umbrellas
If your umbrella happens to break while you are using it, as tempting as it is to toss it angrily into the gutter, hold onto it until you can dispose of it properly.
By following these basic guidelines for courteous umbrella use, both umbrella-carriers and other pedestrians can share the streets without disruption or resentment .
 |
