Pedestrian safety

An investigation is under way after a pedestrian was struck and killed by a truck in downtown Seattle Wednesday morning, police said.  

 Walking is the form of transportation that most people use every day and most of us probably take for granted that it’s one of the safest.  Yet, every year thousands of pedestrians go to the ER seeking medical attention because of injuries.  Two years ago 69,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes and over 4,000 were killed. That means a pedestrian is injured every eight minutes and one is killed every two hours.  Those are staggering statistics.

 Now that the weather is gloomier and it’s getting dark earlier, pedestrians and drivers alike need to take extra precautions to keep from causing or being the victim of a pedestrian/vehicle incident.

 

Alcohol is involved in nearly half of fatal pedestrian/vehicle crashes.  In one third of these, the pedestrian is the one intoxicated.  In 6% of these accidents both the pedestrian and the driver were intoxicated.

Children and the elderly are more susceptible to pedestrian injuries.

More pedestrians die on New Year’s Day than on any other day of the year, and Halloween seems to be the most dangerous day of the year for children as far as pedestrian injuries and death are concerned.

Pedestrian injuries resulting from walking while texting or talking on a cell phone tripled between 2006 and 2008.

So how do you keep yourself safe from injury if you choose to walk?  

• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible.   If sidewalks aren’t available, walk on the side of the road or the left shoulder facing traffic.
• Only cross at intersections and crosswalks. Pedestrians are hit more often when they cross the street at places other than intersections.
• Obey traffic signals.
•  As stated above, drinking and walking can be deadly.  Don’t take risks, take the bus, a cab, or get a ride from a friend.  Medication and drugs can also impair your judgment and motor skills.   
• Remember what you were taught in school about crossing the street.  Look left, right and left again for traffic before stepping off the curb.
• Do not be distracted by cell phones, PDAs or headsets.
• Be aware of the vehicles around you.
• Remember that even though as a pedestrian you have the right of way, you still need to use care.   
• Closely watch children and teach them safety rules. 
• Be seen. 

1.     Keep out of a driver’s blind spot
2.     Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street
3.     Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if walking at night.
4.     Use a flashlight when walking in the dark.
5.     Don’t let your children play near the street or cross the street by themselves.

 Don't become another statistic.  Stay alert, aware, keep distractions to a minimum, and obey traffic laws while walking.  Your life could depend on it.

Sources, related articles and products:

 American college of emergency physicians

 Washington State Department of Transportation

Seattle Pedestrian Program

Keeping pedestrians safe by vehicle design:

Auto Tips and Advice

World Lingo

Edmunds.com

Pedestrian and Safety Products

Reflectors