From the WSDOT.....Friday. October 31st, 2008

The dark, rainy days of fall and winter reduce a driver’s ability to see, and walkers and bicyclists should take extra efforts to become more visible. Pedestrians and motorists can follow a few safety tips to reduce their risk of being involved in a collision:

Pedestrians
• Be seen – wear bright or reflective outerwear, carry a flashlight, and cross at lighted intersections when possible.
 

• Make eye contact with the driver – know that the driver is aware of your presence. Watch for vehicles, you can’t always hear them so be sure to keep hats, hoods and umbrellas clear of your vision.
 

• Walk where it’s safest – use sidewalks when they are available, and if not, walk on the edge of the road facing traffic.
 

• Cross the roadway at intersections – crossing in mid-block, or jaywalking, is the leading pedestrian-contributing circumstance in pedestrian collisions.

Motorists
• Drive the posted speed limit – survivability rates for pedestrians involved in collisions with vehicles decreases as speeds increase. A crash at 20 mph or less has an estimated 95 percent survival rate compared to much lower rates at higher speeds. Those extra minutes you save by speeding could cost a life.
 

• Stop for pedestrians – it’s the law. Motorists must stop for pedestrians in unmarked or marked crosswalks (any intersection is considered a crosswalk). It is also illegal to pass another vehicle stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk. Failure to yield to pedestrians is the leading motorist-contributing circumstance in pedestrian collisions.
 

• Pay attention near schools and recreation areas – children aged 1 - 19 are an age group that is most “at risk” to be involved in a pedestrian fatality. Senior adults (age 71 or more) make up the other at-risk age group. Together, these groups experience a disproportionately high percentage of pedestrian and bicycle fatalities in Washington.

WSDOT is working to increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists by funding pedestrian and bicycle safety projects. For more information about WSDOT efforts to improve conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists see the Washington State Bicycle Facilities and Pedestrian Walkways Plan at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike/PDF/BikePedPlan.pdf.

Additional information and safety tips can be found by visiting these Web sites:
WSDOT Pedestrian Safety Tips http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Walk/Safety_Tips.htm
WSDOT Bicycle Safety Tips http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike/Safety_Tips.htm