Plainville Police Department Reminds Community of Pedestrian Safety Tips

PLAINVILLE —  Chief James Floyd and the Plainville Police Department would like to share pedestrian safety tips as a reminder for residents when walking or driving throughout town. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 6,516 pedestrians were killed in the U.S. in 2020. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 81 minutes and injured every 10 minutes in traffic crashes in 2020. Pedestrian deaths accounted for 17% of all traffic fatalities in 2020 and 2% of all people injured in traffic crashes in 2020. 

The Plainville Police Department would like to provide residents with the following pedestrian safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Follow the rules of the road and 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.
• Be alert. Walkers wearing headphones or using a cell phone might not hear a car horn or could miss a traffic signal at a crosswalk. 
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
• Never assume drivers see you. Make eye contact with drivers to make sure you are seen. 
• Make yourself visible by wearing brightly colored clothing during the day. At night, wear reflective materials, or use a flashlight.
  • Reflective gear can include anything from vests and jackets to armbands and ankle bands. These items are designed to reflect light from car headlights, making you more visible to drivers from a distance.
  • Wearing reflective gear is especially important during low-light conditions, such as at dawn or dusk, or in inclement weather. When selecting reflective gear, it is important to choose items that are comfortable, easy to wear, and visible from all angles.

The Plainville Police Department recommends that pedestrians use a combination of caution, awareness, and the right gear to ensure their safety. As always, the best way to stay safe is to always assume that drivers may not see you and to take extra care to make yourself visible to avoid dangerous situations.

For more information on pedestrian safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, click here.

###