'Tis the season for holiday pedestrian safety Published Dec. 6, 2011 By Anthony Wilson 99th Air Base Wing Safety NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Ready or not, the holidays are upon us once again. While most people will be busy with shopping or traveling to visit family and friends, it is important for everyone to remember to slow down, especially when walking outside or driving. Just recently, a local Las Vegas news station reported that Las Vegas was listed sixth in the nation for the most dangerous cities for pedestrian safety. So far, Clark County has had 27 pedestrian fatalities in 2011. Regardless of what the explanation is for this startling number, everyone should do their part to decrease these fatalities by just slowing down. Whether attempting to get to that Christmas party five minutes earlier, to be the first in line at the store to take advantage of the holiday sales, or to see the Christmas lights, decorations, or shows before the huge crowds gather, just slowing down and paying extra attention to the surroundings, including pedestrians, could prevent a needless fatality. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections. To accomplish this successfully, drivers should slow down, remain alert and be prepared to stop when approaching marked crosswalks. Drivers also should not pass another vehicle that has stopped or is slowing down to allow a pedestrian to cross. Instead, drivers should come to a complete stop and allow the pedestrian to safely cross the street before proceeding. While this message of slowing down is very important for drivers to know, it is also important that pedestrians slow down, understand the rules of the road, pay extra attention and do their part. Pedestrians should always cross the street at marked crosswalks, and only when it is safe to do so. Pedestrians should always look both ways before crossing the street and obey pedestrian signals at intersections. When possible, pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers to ensure the drivers see the pedestrians before they begin crossing the street. Pedestrians should also take extra precautions when walking at night to increase their visibility. They can do this by wearing light colored or reflective outer garments or by carrying a flashlight. Lastly, pedestrians should always walk on sidewalks or paths when available. If pedestrians must walk in the roadway, they should walk on the far left side of the lane that is facing traffic. To sum up this message: slow down and pay attention. Whether driving or walking, it is up to everyone to make sure that no additional pedestrian fatalities occur. So, take extra time this weekend and make sure that everyone has a happy holiday season and returns home safe and sound.
