Narragansett Police Department Offers Tips to Help Everyone Share the Road Safely This Summer

NARRAGANSETT — The Narragansett Police Department wishes to remind the community this summer that safe roads require cooperation from everyone.

The following information for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists — courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — can help ensure safe roads as summer gets into full swing and more people are out enjoying the warm weather.

Tips for Drivers

• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Don’t drive distracted. Be on the lookout for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. Be extra cautious in parking lots, and when approaching crosswalks, backing up, and changing lanes.
• Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as at nighttime or in bad weather.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk as there may be people crossing where you can’t see.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see crossing pedestrians and come to a stop.
• Yield to bicyclists as you would motorists and do not underestimate their speed. This will help avoid turning in front of a bicyclist traveling on the road or sidewalk, often at an intersection or driveway.
• Give cyclists room and do not pass too closely. 

Pedestrian Safety

According to the NHTSA, 7,388 pedestrians were killed in 2021 – a 13% increase from 2020.

• Obey signs and signals.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking as they impair your abilities and judgment.

Click here for more on pedestrian safety from the NHTSA.

Bike Safety

In 2021, 966 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes. A large percentage of crashes can be avoided if motorists and cyclists follow the rules of the road and watch out for each other.

• Ride responsibly and remember that all states require bicyclists on the roadway to follow the same rules as motorists. Obey street signs, signals, and road markings.
• Plan your route — if riding on the road, choose routes with less traffic and slower speeds. Your safest route may be away from traffic altogether, in a bike lane or on a bike path.
• Ride where you are expected to be seen and travel in the same direction as traffic. Signal and look over your shoulder before changing lanes or turning.
• Always wear a helmet and be sure your helmet fits properly. Have equipment to protect you and make you more visible to others, like bright clothing, reflective gear, and a white front light and red rear light and reflectors on your bike.
• Ride one per seat, with both hands on the handlebars, unless signaling a turn.
• Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike. Tuck and tie your shoe laces and pant legs so they don’t get caught in your bike chain.
• No texting, listening to music or using anything that distracts you by taking your eyes and ears or your mind off the road and traffic.

Click here for more on bike safety from the NHTSA.

Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2021, there were 5,932 motorcyclists killed — 14% of all traffic fatalities. Per vehicle miles traveled in 2021, motorcyclists were about 24 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and four times more likely to be injured.

• No one should drive a motorcycle without obtaining the proper training and license. Riders should practice operating their motorcycle to get a feel for how it accelerates and handles.
• Riders should check their tire pressure and tread depth before every ride, and also check the hand and foot brakes, headlights, signal indicators, and fluids.
• Passengers should only mount the motorcycle after the engine has started and should sit as far forward as possible, directly behind the driver, with both feet on the footrests at all times.
• Not all states require motorcycle helmets, but they are by far the best hope you have of protecting your brain in a crash. 
• Arms and legs should be completely covered when riding a motorcycle, ideally in leather or heavy denim.
• Riders should always obey traffic laws and signs, and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Always ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room between your bike and other vehicles. Always check behind you and signal before you change lanes, and never weave between lanes.
• Keep headlights on at all times to help increase visibility.
• Never ride a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Click here for more on motorcycle safety from the NHTSA.

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