MoDOT reminds motorists to watch for pedestrians, especially at night

JOPLIN, Mo- As daylight hours grow shorter and fall settles in, motorists and pedestrians are being reminded to take extra precautions on the road.

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, an annual observance focused on promoting safe habits among pedestrians, drivers and other road users. According to national statistics, pedestrian fatalities are 76% more likely to occur in darkness than during daylight.

The increased risk is particularly important during the fall and winter months, when people are more likely to be traveling during low-light conditions.

Whether jogging, walking the dog or escorting a child to the bus stop, nearly everyone is a pedestrian at some point. Safety officials emphasize that keeping pedestrians safe is a shared responsibility.

Tips for Pedestrians

Pedestrians can take several steps to improve their visibility and reduce their risk while walking.

Whenever possible, pedestrians should use sidewalks. When sidewalks are unavailable, they should walk facing traffic and stay as far away from vehicles as practical.

Wearing bright or reflective clothing can also help drivers see pedestrians, particularly during early morning, evening or nighttime walks.

Pedestrians should obey traffic laws and cross at designated crosswalks whenever available. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, pedestrians should choose a well-lit location with clear sight lines and little to no traffic.

Before stepping into the roadway, pedestrians should wait for vehicles to come to a complete stop and make eye contact with the driver to confirm they have been seen.

Parents and guardians should also take special precautions with young children. Children under 10 should not cross streets alone. If a guardian cannot accompany a child, an approved walking buddy — generally an adult or a sibling over age 12 — should accompany them.

Families can also create a walkability checklist for their neighborhoods, identifying safe walking routes as well as areas with poor visibility, heavy traffic or other potential hazards.

Drivers Share Responsibility

Pedestrian safety does not rest solely on those traveling by foot. Drivers and other road users play an important role in preventing crashes.

Drivers should slow down when approaching a crosswalk and yield to pedestrians who are waiting to cross. They should come to a complete stop and acknowledge pedestrians so there is no confusion about whether it is safe to proceed.

Extra caution is necessary at night and during bad weather, when reduced visibility can make pedestrians more difficult to see.

Drivers should always follow posted speed limits and pay attention to changes in speed limits in residential neighborhoods. Signs warning of children at play and flashing lights marking school zones should also prompt drivers to exercise additional caution.

Backing up presents another potential danger. Drivers should thoroughly check their windows and mirrors for movement behind their vehicles. Vehicles without backup cameras or safety sensors may require assistance from a spotter outside the vehicle when backing.

Everyone Has a Role

In Missouri, about 30% of the population is unlicensed, meaning as many as 2 million people may be walking, biking or otherwise traveling outside of a motor vehicle on any given day.

National Pedestrian Safety Month serves as a reminder that roadway safety extends beyond protecting motorists. Whether someone is commuting to work by car, walking to a bus stop, riding a bicycle or accompanying a child to school, everyone shares the road.

As the days become shorter, taking a few extra precautions — slowing down, staying visible and remaining alert — can help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.