Date:  Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Contact: Charlotte Claybrooke, Safe Routes to School Coordinator, 360.705.7302

OLYMPIA – Daylight saving time ends on November 1 and begins the most difficult time of year for drivers to see walkers and bikers. The Washington State Department of Transportation is reminding motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists that extra safety precautions are needed during the dark, rainy months ahead.

As road conditions change and visibility is reduced due to weather and shorter daylight hours, motorists need to make extra efforts to watch for pedestrians and bicyclists. At the same time, walkers and bicyclists need to take extra care to be seen. Of the 64 pedestrian fatalities recorded in 2008, nearly half of them (29) occurred in the winter months between January and March.

The following safety tips will help all road users reduce the risk of being involved in a collision:

Motorists

• Stop at intersections for pedestrians – The leading cause for collisions involving pedestrians is a motorist’s failure to stop for pedestrians at intersections. The law requires motorists to stop for pedestrians in unmarked and marked crosswalks (all intersections are crosswalks, unless posted). It is also illegal to pass another vehicle stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk.
• Drive the posted speed limit or below as weather and road conditions necessitate – 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 a much lower survival rate at higher speeds.
• Pay special attention near schools, recreation areas and senior centers – The youngest and oldest are the most “at risk” to be involved in a pedestrian fatality.
• Follow the rules of the road – Don’t drive under the influence, or while using electronic equipment or other distracters. Being a predictable driver helps other road users to anticipate your movements.

Pedestrians and bicyclists

• Be seen – Wear bright or reflective outerwear, use lights at night, and choose routes that are lighted, especially at intersections, whenever possible.
• Make eye contact with the driver – Keep hats, hoods, helmets and umbrellas clear of your line of vision.
• Walk or bike where it’s safest – For a pedestrian that means sidewalks and trails when they are available, and if not, walk on the edge of the road facing traffic. For a bicyclist that means bike lanes, shoulders and trails when available, and if not, bike as far to the right side of the road as is safe in the direction of traffic.
• Be a predictable road user – Following the rules of the road helps other road users know what to expect from you and helps to avoid collisions.
  
  

WSDOT is working to increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists by:

• Working with schools to develop school walk route plans.
• Providing information about walking and biking to the public.
• Researching bicycle and pedestrian issues.
• Working with local communities to improve conditions for biking and walking through design assistance.
• Conducting bicycle and pedestrian related trainings and workshops.
• Funding pedestrian and bicycle safety projects.

 

For more information about WSDOT’s efforts to improve conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists see the Washington State Bicycle Facilities and Pedestrian Walkways Plan at http://wsdot.wa.gov/bike/bike_plan.htm.

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

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