A Washington State Department of
Transportation ( WSDOT) report shows that
pedestrian and bicycle deaths between 2013 and 2017 have doubled from 60 to 122
statewide. Pedestrian/bicycle serious injuries have increased 31% for the same
period from 251 to 461.
For a similar period, 2012 to
2016, pedestrian deaths in Snohomish County were 45 or 23% of all traffic
related deaths. 10 bicyclists died in Snohomish County during the same period
for 5% of all traffic related deaths.
The WSDOT report attributed three
factors to the increasing pedestrian and bicycle deaths:
·
Speed limits of 30mph or greater on urban
arterials
·
Distracted driving
·
Walkers and bikers impaired by drugs and alcohol
Most pedestrian/bicycle casualties
occur on urban streets.
Nationwide, a pedestrian is killed
every 2 hours in the U.S.
With an increasing number of
deaths and serious injuries statewide, clearly pedestrians and drivers need to
watch out for each other.
Pedestrian Safety-
·
Put your cell phone and headphones away! You
cannot hear cars approaching with headphones on.
·
Wear a reflective safety vest or carry a
flashlight when it is dark.
·
Put reflective tape on your dog’s leash.
·
Stay on sidewalks and use marked crosswalks.
·
Walk in well-lit areas.
·
Don’t assume cars can see you. Wait for a pause
in traffic to safely cross.
·
Don’t walk or bike when you are impaired from
alcohol or drugs.
Driver Safety-
·
Watch for pedestrians at all times.
·
Slow down when you approach pedestrians and
assume they may walk in front of you.
·
Stay off your phone!
·
Watch for school zones.
·
Pay attention to crosswalks or other natural
areas where pedestrians may try to cross.
Seattle Times:
Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office (page 2):
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