On a recent drive into work, I heard all too familiar news on the radio – a pedestrian has been hit by a car and killed. My first thought, “Not again!”
Maybe it’s because we just worked for a year developing a Traffic Safety Plan for Southeast Michigan, but I find I’m keeping a tally in my head, and this is happening way too often in our region.
- Pedestrian deaths in our region are double the national average.
- While only 1% of traffic crashes involve pedestrians, nearly 25% of traffic-related deaths are pedestrians.
I had another hunch from listening to the news, and the data backs it up:
- 80% of pedestrian deaths happen in the dark.
- Just as many of these deaths happened where it was reported there were street lights.
In other words, night time and early morning are especially dangerous for pedestrians, and street lights alone will not solve the issue.
You might have noticed I’ve been using the word “pedestrian,” and this is the correct term when describing these incidents. However, I worry that this word might sterilize the situation or detach us from who is really involved. Everyone is a pedestrian. When we talk about pedestrians, we are talking about moms, dads, sons, daughters, grandparents.
You might also have noticed how I described the fatal crash at the beginning of this entry, “pedestrian has been hit by a car and killed.” This wording is similar to many news reports you will find:
- “Pedestrian… was struck by 2004 Toyota Sequoia”
- “Pedestrian who was struck and killed by a pickup truck”
- “Pedestrian who died as the result of an early Sunday morning single-vehicle crash”
- “The woman was crossing the street when she was hit by a southbound vehicle”
Words are powerful, and in each of these descriptions the crash involves a person on foot and a vehicle. The obvious fact that each vehicle had a driver is often buried in the story if it is mentioned at all. And even the word “driver” diminishes the human element of these tragedies. Drivers-just like pedestrians-are the people we love, and involvement in a serious crash is a life-changing event for them as well.
When we create a safety plan and work to see it implemented, we are really working for all the people affected by a traffic crash: pedestrians, drivers, families, and even the first responders whose lives are also impacted by these tragedies.
Today, we are asking pedestrians and drivers (i.e., everyone) to take an active role in protecting themselves and each other on the road. Here are a few things you can do to keep us all safe.
When you are on foot… Be Safe. Be Seen.
- Be seen. Wear bright or reflective clothing when walking, bicycling, waiting for the bus, etc.
- Be extra alert at night, especially when it is dark and in bad weather, don’t assume drivers can see you.
- If you are riding your bike in the dark, make sure your bike has a headlight and rear blinking red light. Use a flashlight if you are walking after dark.
- If traveling in the road: WALK AGAINST TRAFFIC, BIKE WITH TRAFFIC.
- Avoid distractions such as cell phones and loud music, via headphones. Stay Attentive – your life depends on it!
- Use crosswalks when crossing roads.
- Obey traffic signals such as the walk/don’t walk signal.
- Always make eye contact with drivers before entering the street. Never assume a driver has seen you.
- Drink responsibly. Alcohol impairs walking and biking, similar to driving.
When you are behind the wheel… Be Aware.
- Expect to see pedestrians and bicyclists on the road, and yield to pedestrians and bicyclists in crosswalks and when turning.
- Keep your thumbs on the wheel. Don’t text and drive.
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Don’t drive drowsy. Avoid driving while sleepy, and stay vigilant for drowsiness signs, such as crossing rumble strips or roadway lines.
- Avoid aggressive driving and speeding by planning ahead and allowing extra travel time.
- Watch out for bicyclists and people on foot. Just because you don’t see headlights or tail lights doesn’t mean there aren’t other people on the road.
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