Mori Byington

OCTOBER is the national pedestrian safety month

Everyone is a pedestrian at some point during the day.  Whether it be in a parking lot, crosswalk, or on a road, everyone is a pedestrian. In 2019, there were 21 pedestrian crashes in Pocatello and Chubbuck and 1 fatality.   Locally October is one of the highest months for pedestrian crashes.  Everyone must participate in reducing pedestrian crashes.  Drivers and pedestrians must be aware of their soundings and alert for potential issues.   Almost half the 2019 pedestrian crashes occurred at 4-way stops or signalized intersections.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center lists these tips for pedestrian safety

Be Safe and Be Seen: Make yourself visible to drivers

• Wear bright/light-colored clothing and reflective materials.
• Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
• Cross the street in a well-lit area at night.
• Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars, or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.

Be Smart and Alert: Avoid dangerous behaviors

• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.
• Don’t assume vehicles will stop. Make eye contact with drivers, don’t just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone, he or she may not be paying enough attention to drive safely.
• Don’t rely solely on pedestrian signals. Look before you cross the road.
• Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.

Be Careful at Crossings: Look before you step

• Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections, if possible.
• Obey traffic signals such as WALK/DON’T WALK signs.
• Look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.
• Watch for turning vehicles. Make sure the driver sees you and will stop for you.
• Look across ALL lanes you must cross and visually clear each lane before proceeding. Even if one motorist stops, do not presume drivers in other lanes can see you and will stop for you.
• Don’t wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while crossing.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends these Driving Safety Tips

1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
4. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the cross-walk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
5. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.
6. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
7. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
8. Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
9. Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path.

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The Idaho Transportation Department has released a new traffic tracker that shows a significant decline in vehicle trips in Idaho.   The Pocatello/Chubbuck region is also experiencing a decline.  The maps demonstrate that people are staying at home.  

ITD Traffic Tracker