By The Herald Editorial Board
We’ve entered the Northwest’s dark and stormy season, which is a good reminder for drivers to take extra care to be aware of pedestrians, and to respect their rights, which happen to be a matter of law, no matter how much of a hurry one happens to be in. On the other hand, pedestrians, especially children, need to know that it’s not safe to assume a driver will see them, or stop for them, even if they are supposed to. Sadly, pedestrians must practice defensive walking.
This is because rogue drivers will speed through school zones, fail to look both ways before turning, and fail to stop for students at crosswalks (as well as failing to stop for pedestrians at unmarked crosswalks, which is also required by law.
“I think it’s been more prevalent lately, the last few years. People are hurrying to get their kids to school and off to where they’re going. They’re distracted and not paying attention,” Cathy Ward, a school bus driver for almost 39 years, told The Herald’s Street Smart columnist Melissa Slager. Naturally, drivers looking at their phones plays a part in this distraction, despite laws prohibiting the behavior.
Pedestrians are often guilty of phone distraction as well, though there isn’t yet a law against it. Wearing headphones is another risky practice pedestrians engage in, despite a complete lack of common sense. Also, bicyclists must remember they have have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles. It’s important for adults to model smart behavior in all these areas for their children, or it’s just more “blah blah blah” hypocrisy. And it’s a fact that our streets and sidewalks are more crowded and busier.
Surveys show the numbers of families walking or biking to school continues to grow, Slager reported. About 15 percent of students walked or biked in 2013, compared to 12 percent in 2007, according to the National Center for Safe Routes to School. Additionally, more newly licensed drivers are on the road, heading to school and activities.
Safety experts agree on what can help: Leave earlier for your destination, turn off the phone, pay attention, and go slow.
“A lot of times we rush, thinking it’s going to solve something. … The amount (of time) you save by hurrying because you didn’t give yourself enough time doesn’t offset enough to make it worth it,” Doug Dahl, Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s Target Zero manager for Whatcom and Island counties, told Slager.
Pedestrians have the right of way.
Not all crosswalks are marked.
Don’t double park.
Use designated areas for dropping off and picking up students.
Carpool to reduce congestion.
Turn on your headlights.
And always: Let’s be careful out there. And courteous.
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