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 Walking is a great way to stay active and, like bicycling, it reduces traffic congestion and protects the environment. Unfortunately, in today’s world it is not risk-free.
In 2005, Public Health’s Injury Prevention Unit published the “Profile of Pedestrian Fatalities in King County, Washington 2000 – 2003.” The report found an average of 26 pedestrians die in King County each year because of crashes involving motor vehicles.
Other key findings were:
- Males accounted for 62% of pedestrian deaths.
- Almost 30 percent of the deaths involved people aged 40 to 49 years old, the greatest percentage of any age group.
- After age 60, female pedestrians were more likely to die in crashes. Women 70 to 79 years of age had the highest pedestrian fatality rate.
- November, December, and January are especially dangerous months for pedestrians.
- Pedestrian fatalities were most likely to happen during work rush hours and times of darkness.
- People of color made up nearly 40 percent of the deaths. In particular, Asian and Pacific Islanders and American Indians/Alaska Natives were disproportionately affected.
- Forty-two percent of the fatalities were the result of unsafe road-crossing practices.
- Fifty-nine percent of the pedestrians were killed on roads with posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less.
- Almost half of the pedestrian fatalities took place in Seattle, especially in its denser urban areas.
- Remember the following when crossing streets:
- Cross only at intersections, with signals if possible
- Watch for turning vehicles.
- Stop at the curb. Look left, right, left, and over your shoulder for traffic.
- Continue to look as you cross the street.
- Stop and look around parked cars or other objects that block the view of traffic.
- Let oncoming traffic pass, then look again before crossing.
- Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you.
- Teach children how to safely cross the street.
- Dress so drivers can see you. If walking at night carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing. Wear bright or fluorescent clothing during the day.
- Use paths and sidewalks. If you must walk on or near a road, remember to walk facing oncoming traffic and stay as far to the side as possible. Always look for oncoming traffic.
- Remember many objects may block a driver’s view. Use caution when crossing multi-lane roadways even in crosswalks and even if some cars have stopped for you—a motorist in a second or third lane may still not see you.
- Traffic signs and signals may not protect you. Look for traffic even if you are in a crosswalk and are crossing with the light or with the walk signal. Some drivers may not see or obey traffic signs or signals.
- Turning vehicles are especially dangerous at intersections. Make sure the driver of a vehicle that is turning sees you.
- Always follow traffic signals and crossing signage. Cross only at designated crossing areas especially on roads with high volumes of traffic.
- Never cross a freeway or interstate unless there is a designated pedestrian path with a crosswalk. Stay off I-5 and I-90. Vehicles in need of assistance should park as far away from the roadway as possible, call 911 from a cellular phone, and wait for assistance.
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