In the past week, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue firefighters have responded to four serious incidents where vehicles have struck pedestrians. One of those incidents was fatal. In many cases, drivers state that they didn’t see the people they hit.
“This is a reminder that drivers, pedestrians and cyclists need to share the road,” says TVF&R Communications Officer Brian Barker, “when it’s dark and rainy, it’s harder for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists, so everyone needs to be more careful.” As the days get shorter and darker, TVF&R would like to remind both pedestrians and drivers to take extra precautions.
Pedestrians:
•Dress to be seen. Wear bright, light-colored, or reflective clothing to help drivers see you.
•Always walk on the sidewalk. If you must walk in the road, walk facing traffic.
•Cross streets only at marked crosswalks or intersections with traffic signals, and look LEFT – RIGHT – LEFT prior to crossing the street.
•Before entering a crosswalk, make eye-contact with motorists to ensure they see you and begin stopping.
•Remember that telephone poles, utility boxes, and parked vehicles block motorists’ ability to see you.
Motorists:
•Pedestrians have the right-of-way at ALL intersections (even if there isn’t a painted crosswalk).
•Stop for pedestrians in intersections and crosswalks. On a two-lane road, you must stop until the pedestrian is completely across the roadway. On a multi-lane road, you must stop for pedestrians when they are within ONE LANE of your direction of travel.
•Turn on your headlights while driving to help pedestrians see you.
•Never pass or overtake a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
•Limit distractions, such as cell phones, eating, and listening to music, while driving
•Look ahead for pedestrians in the road or crosswalk; shift your attention past the hood of your car.
•Drive the speed limit (and consider reducing your speed during inclement weather).
•A patient driver is a safer driver. Leave yourself ample driving time.
Cyclists:
•Use a tail-light and a headlight. Make it your goal to be as visible as possible.
•Dress in light colors or wear reflective clothing.
•Ride defensively. Remember, some motorists are not looking for you. As you ride, ask yourself if you’re doing everything you can do to make sure drivers know where you are.
•Wear a helmet.
•Obey the rules of the road.
For more safety tips, click here.
