Pedestrian Safety
By Dominique Francisco
Pedestrian fatalities are on the rise in Cincinnati, according to new data from the Governors Highway Safety Association. The rise is especially high in neighborhoods such as Winton Terrace, Hyde Park, and Northside.
With Halloween quickly approaching, it’s important to talk about pedestrian safety with our neighbors, kids and friends. In 2015 alone, 5,376 people were killed in pedestrian/motor-vehicle accidents — 15 people every day. Drivers and pedestrians alike share the responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe on the road.
Pedestrian safety includes many things people often take for granted: exercising caution at intersections and crosswalks; crossing streets in properly marked areas; being mindful of curb extensions, pedestrian signals, and crossing islands; not walking or driving while distracted or intoxicated. Pedestrian safety also involves increasing your visibility at night by wearing reflective clothing and carrying flashlights when walking.
Before you head out for Trick-or-Treat, a power walk, or a quick errand, there are important safety tips to remember.
Who is at risk?
Individuals traveling by foot, wheelchair, stroller, or similar means — are among the most vulnerable users of the road.
Older pedestrians age 65+ accounted for almost 20% of all pedestrian fatalities.
As pedestrians, children are at even greater risk of injury or death from traffic crashes due to their small size, inability to judge distances and speeds, and lack of experience with traffic rules.
One in five traffic deaths among children ages 14 and under are pedestrian deaths.
In 2013, 34% of all pedestrians killed in traffic crashes had a blood alcohol concentration above 0.07 grams per deciliter.
Within the next 24 hours, 430 people will be treated in an emergency department for pedestrian traffic-related injuries.
4,735 pedestrians were killed in traffic deaths in 2013, and more than 156,000 were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries.
With numbers like these, it’s critical to understand the risks and learn to stay safe.
Steps for Safety
- Only cross the street at a designated crosswalk or intersection.
- Wear light colors, walk in well-lit areas, carry a flashlight, and wearing retro-reflective clothing.
- It’s safest to walk on a sidewalk, but if one is not available, please walk on the shoulder facing traffic.
- Try to accompany children when walking to assure their safety.
- Avoid distractions such as electronic devices or being under the influence.
Stay safe, stay vigilant.
