Date:
Friday, October 27, 2006
Contact:
Charlotte Claybrooke, Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Specialist 360-705-7302 - Olympia
Melanie Coon, WSDOT Communications Manager 360-705-7078 - Olympia
OLYMPIA – With daylight-savings time ending a few days before Halloween, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reminds pedestrians and motorists to be extra cautious when out on the road.
Based on accident data collected in Washington State since 1993, about 35 percent of all pedestrian fatalities occur in the two months between the end of daylight-saving time and the end of the year.
“Over 900 pedestrian fatalities have occurred over the last 10 years,” said Paula Reeves, WSDOT Bicycle & Pedestrian program manager. “Most pedestrian accidents occur in urban areas as people cross streets to get to their office, home or shopping. We’re asking drivers to watch out for pedestrians.”
Some safety tips for trick-or-treaters:
· Avoid costumes or masks that obstruct your vision
· Cross at street corners or designated crosswalks
· Take the time to look both directions before crossing a roadway
· Travel in groups for greater visibility and safety
Some general tips for pedestrian safety:
· See and be seen –drivers need to see you to avoid you
· Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets
· Wear bright colors or reflective clothing at night
· Turn down the volume on head phones when attempting to cross the street
· Walk on the sidewalk. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
During this period of dark, rainy and foggy conditions, drivers are reminded to watch for pedestrians along school bus routes, intersections and transit stops and centers. Pedestrians wearing headphones might not be aware of oncoming traffic around or behind them. Please use extra caution when backing out of driveways and driving around in parking lots.
Additional safety tips on biking and walking can be found at www.wsdot.wa.gov/walk
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