It’s proving to be a very dangerous year to those trying to walk near Delaware roadways, state Office of Highway Safety officials said.
Since Jan. 1, 16 pedestrians have died in traffic related crashes in Delaware. That is three times higher than at this time last year.
State officials are alarmed because as the fall and holiday season approach that is a time in which travel and traffic increase, day light hours start getting shorter and sun glare starts to become an issue. All of those combine to increase the risk for more pedestrian and motor vehicle crashes, Office of Highway spokeswoman Alison Kirk said.
Seventy-five percent of the pedestrian fatalities this year occurred in New Castle County with most happening on or around the areas of Route 7 and Route 13 in low light or dark conditions, Kirk said. Two fatalities occurred in Kent County and two in Sussex County.
A closer look at the statistics shows that in almost every one of the 16 fatal pedestrian crashes, the pedestrian was at fault. Alcohol was a factor in two cases while the most common violation in all the cases was the pedestrian stepping out into the path of a vehicle and not using a crosswalk or marked intersection.
OHS officials are also concerned with pedestrians’ inattentiveness to traffic and their surrounding while using iPods, texting on cell phones, or using other electronic devices that create a distraction while walking or jogging.
Enforcement in combination with increased public awareness is often key in addressing many highway safety issues, OHS officials said. But enforcing pedestrian laws is more challenging. Ultimately, solving the problem will require active participation and buy in by the motoring public and pedestrians alike.
Following are basic safety tips and pedestrian laws to “Walk Smart”:
- Cross only at crosswalks or intersections with signals or traffic signs, and cross only when it’s clear; do not risk crossing outside of a crosswalk or intersection, especially on high speed roadways where cars cannot stop in time for you
- Use sidewalks; if there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far off the edge of the road as possible
- Do not step into a crosswalk if it will create a hazard to motorists
- Carry a flashlight or other reflective item when walking at night; it’s the law
- Do not walk under the influence of alcohol or drugs; impaired walking is illegal
- If your vehicle breaks down on an interstate or busy roadway, stay in your vehicle and call #77 or 911 for assistance; motorists can also call #77 to report a disabled vehicle they see on the roadways
- If you are driving, be on the lookout for pedestrians near the roadway
OHS is also continuing the “Walk Smart” awareness campaign in August and October with bus transit ads and sidewalk stencils to remind pedestrians to “Cross This Way” at marked intersections.
For more information on the Walk Smart campaign and to find materials about pedestrian safety tips and laws, please visit www.ohs.delaware.gov or www.Twitter.com/DEHighwaySafe.
