Hey, You – yeah, you – walking along the curb with your back to traffic – wearing dark clothes, even though it’s dark outside – and earbuds plugged into your ears. And maybe your eyes glued to that smartphone.
Did you know that I almost hit you because suddenly, there you were?
I was not expecting you to be there. With the time change, I’m driving home from work in the dark these days. Please help me by being a safe pedestrian!
Does the November time change put you driving home in the dark? Do you notice joggers, dog-walkers, and others seemingly popping up out of nowhere? Florida – where I live – is ranked the most dangerous state in the nation for pedestrians, according to Smart Growth America. What a terrible ranking to hold!
We are posting this article to raise your awareness of how you can safely navigate on foot in your community, even if a safe passage is not available.
Smart Growth America has a vision for America where every person has a safe, affordable, and beautiful place to live and thrive. Eight of the top ten most dangerous cities in the nation are in Florida.
Consider these sobering statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA):
- Nearly 3 out of 4 pedestrian deaths occur in urban environments (73%), at non-intersections (70%), during the nighttime (70%), and many involve alcohol.
- More than a third (37%) of the pedestrians killed, and 1 in 8 (13%) of the drivers in pedestrian fatalities, had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of .08 g/dL or higher in 2011, the illegal limit in every state.
- Either the driver or pedestrian or both had some alcohol in 47% of all fatal pedestrian crashes
The 2019 Dangerous By Design report cites dismal statistics on the most likely candidates to be struck and killed by a motor vehicle. You can read more about what Smart Growth America is doing to achieve its vision by clicking here.
Until their vision is fulfilled in your community, here are Pedestrian Safety Basics from the NHTSA. Please share this information with family and friends.
- Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible. (Author’s editorial comment – don't assume I will see you and be able to avoid hitting you. By walking facing traffic, you have an opportunity to step out of the way if you feel unsafe).
- Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
- Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
- If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
- Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you hare seen. (Author's note – with your back to traffic you have NO IDEA if the person driving the car sees you or is possibly distracted by watching for other vehicles, on their cell phone or looking somewhere else)
- Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
For more safety tips and videos on being a safe pedestrian, click here to visit the NHTSA website.
Can you tell that at Living Well Stores we are passionate about your safety? Here are links to other articles we have posted on personal safety.
The Blue Zones Project - https://www.livingwellstores.com/blog/post/the-blue-zones-projectr-what-it-s-all-about
Cane, Walker, Rollator – Which Should You Use? - https://www.livingwellstores.com/blog/post/cane-walker-rollator-which-should-you-use
I Know It’s Time to Stop Driving When… https://www.livingwellstores.com/blog/post/i-know-it-s-time-to-stop-driving-when
If you have a question, comment, or idea for an article, email us at [email protected].
