Dear Community Friends
Pedestrian Collisions
During the past seven months there have been four serious pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents resulting in two fatalities and two serious injuries. Three of these accidents took place when the pedestrian was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk and was struck by a moving vehicle.
These tragedies might of been prevented if the pedestrians and motorists had been more aware of each other prior to the accidents. The following are some safety tips for pedestrians and motorists.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the roadway, always walk facing traffic.
• Dress to be seen. Wear bright/light colored clothing so drivers see you.
• Cross streets only at marked crosswalks or intersections.
• If crossing a multiple lane road, visually clear each lane as you proceed.
• If a car is parked where you are trying to cross, look for drivers who may pull out and not see you as they looking for traffic.
• Remember: telephone poles, utility boxes and parked vehicles block on-coming drivers ability to see you.
• Look LEFT - RIGHT - LEFT prior to entering the street.
• Give drivers ample time to stop prior to your entering the crosswalk.
• Crossing at locations that have traffic signals helps motorist see you.
• Turn off your headphones while crossing the street, so you can hear approaching traffic.
• Always hold a child by the hand while crossing the street and remember, WALK don't run.
Vehicular Safety Tips:
• Never pass/overtake a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk.
• Do not drive with distractions (cell phones, eating, etc.)
• Pay attention to and abide by all speed limits.
• Look ahead for potential dangers or people in the roadway or crosswalks.
• Stop for pedestrians in all crosswalks: on a two-lane road, the pedestrian must be completely across the roadway before you begin moving again. On a multi-lane road, you must stop for pedestrians when they are within one lane of your direction of travel.
• Pedestrians have the right of way at ALL intersections, whether in a marked crosswalk or not.
• Always yield to pedestrians upon making turns at intersection
• NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE.
• Know your surroundings while you drive, be a good defensive driver. Think outside your car.
• On bright days wear sunglasses or use your sun visor to minimize bright glare.
• Always have ample driving time, try not to be in a rush - a patient driver is a safe driver.
Night Out 2006
I want to thank all of you who hosted a Night Out Against Crime event and welcomed members of the Police Department to join you. It was a great night (and great food!). In the South Precinct, there were at least 73 registered Night Out events – an increase from previous years, so we apologize if none of the South Precinct officers visited your block. Hopefully, we’ll be able to visit you (and eat your food) next year.
Until next time, Take Care and Stay Safe!
Mark Solomon
South Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator
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