Release Date: Friday, December 16th 2011

Critical Pedestrian Safety Tips

Police Offer Motorist and Pedestrian Safety Tips

 As of December 10, the Montgomery County Police Department has responded to 23 collisions this year that have resulted in fatalities.  Of these 23 fatal collisions, 9 of the fatalities have been pedestrians.  Further, between 5:30 p.m. on December 6 and 6:50 a.m. on December 9, police responded to 12 collisions involving pedestrians, two of which were fatal.  Based on number of recent collisions that have involved pedestrians, police would like to offer several pedestrian and driver safety tips in order to keep both pedestrians and drivers safe during the winter months.

 Pedestrian safety is particularly important during this time of year for several reasons.  First, the number of daylight hours has decreased and darkness falls much earlier in the evening.  Second, inclement weather conditions occur more frequently during winter months.  Rain, sleet, snow, and ice may hinder pedestrian and driver visibility as well as impact a driver’s control of his or her vehicle.  Finally, both driver and pedestrian traffic increases during this time of year as residents are attending and participating in holiday activities.

Due to the above factors that impact driver and pedestrian safety, police offer the following safety tips for both motorists and pedestrians:

 Motorists:

·         Slow down and watch for pedestrians. 

·         Be aware that pedestrians can be virtually invisible at night or in bad weather.

·         Obey traffic signals and devices.

·         Yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

·         Realize that in any collision between a car and a pedestrian, it is the pedestrian who will bear the brunt of the impact regardless of who is at fault. 

Pedestrians:

·         Remain alert and do not assume drivers can see you.

·         Do not expect drivers to see you and react in time. 

·         Use crosswalks where available and avoid walking in the streets.

·         Before stepping off the curb, look left and right. 

·         Wear bright or reflective clothing and outerwear at dusk and at night. 

·         Wear clothing that does not restrict or impair your vision.

·         Refrain from cell phone use while walking and crossing streets. 

 Police remind everyone that pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility between drivers and pedestrians.  Remaining alert and adhering to the above safety tips will help to ensure that everyone remains safe while driving and walking throughout the winter months.