Darker days mean more danger for pedestrians

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Dark and rainy winter months should be a time for added attention to pedestrian safety due to increases in pedestrian fatalities. During November and December, 2004, and January 2005, there were 13 pedestrian deaths in King County.

"We are committed to creating healthier and more pedestrian-friendly communities," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "We are in the most dangerous season for pedestrians, and both drivers and pedestrians must commit to safety."

From 2000 through 2003, over 100 pedestrians in King County died after being hit by motor vehicles, according to a report issued this year by Public Health - Seattle & King County. The report found that November, December, and January are especially dangerous months for pedestrians. Work rush hours were also more dangerous.

"Walking is an excellent way to stay healthy, but to keep safe, dress to be seen," said Dorothy Teeter, Interim Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Don't assume drivers will see you. As a pedestrian, make eye contact with drivers and wear reflective clothing."

Public Health has found that King County males 40-49 years of age, older adults, and people of color are at greatest risk for pedestrian fatalities. The majority (62%) of deaths occurred during a pedestrian attempt to cross a roadway. In cases where police deemed drivers at fault, "inattention" was the leading factor.

"Drivers have safety responsibilities as well as pedestrians. Drivers must stop for pedestrians in both marked and unmarked crosswalks, and must never drink and drive," said Sergeant Donald Smith of the Seattle Police Department's Traffic Unit. "By slowing their speeds, drivers are more likely to see and stop for pedestrians who may unexpectedly dart into the roadway."

"If your car breaks down, stay with it and signal for help. Avoid crossing interstates at all costs," said Smith.

Public Health - Seattle & King County and the King County Traffic Safety Coalition will convene a King County Pedestrian Safety Summit on January 19, 2006. Participants will hear the most recent data on pedestrian deaths, learn from a variety of experts, and discuss solutions to reduce pedestrian injuries and deaths.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Washington State Department of Transportation advise pedestrians to follow these safety tips:

• Dress to be seen by drivers. If walking in the dark, wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight. Wear bright or fluorescent clothing during the day.
• Use paths and sidewalks. If you must walk on or near a road, remember to walk facing oncoming traffic and stay as far to the side as possible. Always look for oncoming traffic.
• Remember many objects may block a driver's view. Use caution when crossing multi-lane roadways even in crosswalks, and even if some cars have stopped for you, a motorist in a second or third lane may still not see you.
• Traffic signs and signals may not protect you. Look for traffic even if you are in a crosswalk and are crossing with the light or with the walk signal. Some drivers may not see or obey traffic signs or signals.
• Always follow traffic signals and crossing signage. Cross only at designated crossing areas, especially on roads with high volumes of traffic. Try to stay in well-lit areas.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing streets.
• Look "left, right, left" for traffic every time you cross.
• Drinking alcohol and walking do not mix. Alcohol can impair the judgment and motor skills of pedestrians just as it does for drivers. Take the bus, a cab, or have a friend drive you home. Also beware of the effects of prescription or non-prescription medications and drugs.
• Never cross a freeway or interstate unless there is a designated pedestrian path with a crosswalk. Stay off of I-5 and I-90. Vehicles in need of assistance should park as far away from the roadway as possible and call 911 from a cellular phone and wait for assistance.

Public Health's report, "A Profile of Pedestrian Fatalities in King County, Washington 2000-2003," is available on the web.

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