Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian v. automobile traffic accidents have become a growing concern. Many are caused by bad habits or inattentiveness of both drivers and pedestrians. Safety measures are a must.

October 18, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Pedestrian Safety

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Any given day can present a multitude of hazards and dangers to worry about. The fear of getting hit by a bus probably doesn't keep you up at night, but maybe it should.

Why the Concern?

Recently a Chicago Transit Authority bus hit and killed a pedestrian, just one of thousands who are killed every year in the United States while walking, running or jogging. Pedestrian safety is becoming a real concern, due to an expanding population, an increase in healthy lifestyles that include outdoor exercise and a challenging economy that is pushing people to seek more affordable means of transportation such as walking or biking.

Who is at Risk?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that children ages 5-9 and adults over 75 years old are particularly vulnerable. The majority of pedestrian traffic accidents are caused by bad habits or inattentiveness--more specifically, vehicles backing up or turning from one street onto another, and pedestrians crossing a multi-lane street or darting out mid-block. Alcohol consumption, either by a driver or by a pedestrian was a contributing factor in nearly half of the traffic accidents that resulted in pedestrian fatalities.

Don't Just Look Both Ways

Many accidents can be prevented by developing safe habits. The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends that pedestrians use sidewalks, know and obey safety rules, cross only at intersections and crosswalks, walk facing oncoming traffic when no sidewalks are provided and wear bright colors and reflective material. Accident prevention begins with a mutual understanding between motorists and pedestrians. Always walk defensively and be aware--in other words, watch out for the other guy.

Taking Steps in the Right Direction

Chicago police launched a program, over the summer, aimed at reducing pedestrian accidents at night. The program, in conjunction with the Chicago Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration includes the use of undercover officers posing as pedestrians in crosswalks, strict speed limit enforcement and an educational outreach that targets bars, restaurants and taxi companies. The Federal Highway Administration has initiated a program to develop a national pedestrian safety campaign that produces guides and training courses designed to increase public awareness of the problem. "When you drive, you are more likely to see something if you are thinking about it," said Dr. Ron Van Houten, professor of psychology at Western Michigan University. He added: "Whenever and wherever you drive, particularly at night, think about pedestrians."

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