Pedestrian Safety Tips

Safe Communities announced today that there have been 8 fatal crashes compared to 10 at this time last year.
 
October is Pedestrian Safety Month in Ohio.  In Wood County we have had 58 crashes from 2019 to date:

•  4 Fatalities
• 42 Injury Crashes
• 27 in the City of Bowling Green
• 10 in the City of Perrysburg
• 48% were due to failing to yield

Safety Tips for Motorists:

• Put the phone down and watch out for pedestrians. Sending or reading a short text takes your eyes off the road for almost 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed
• RETHINK how you drive. Behind the wheel, are you: ` Alert and focused? ` Looking out for people walking? ` Obeying all posted signs and speed limits?
• Driving a few miles over the speed limit might not feel like a big deal, but in a collision with a pedestrian, it can be the difference between life and death
• In 2020, pedestrians who died in single-vehicle crashes were most likely to be struck by the front of the vehicle
• Do not block crosswalks when you stop at intersections.
• Take extra care while driving around schools, playgrounds, and neighborhoods.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when driving; they impair your abilities and your judgment.

 Safety Tips for Pedestrians:

• Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross. Use available signals at crosswalks to alert motorists you are crossing.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
• Remember: alcohol and drugs can impair your abilities and your judgment.