As we move away from summer and the end of daylight saving time, it will get gradually darker at an earlier time. I’ve already shared info with you about pedestrian safety in one of my previous blog posts, but the cooler temperatures might have more people opting to walk to their destination. With the reduced visibility, this could become more dangerous and now is a good time to revisit the topic.
No matter their age, please remind your children about making sure they’re safe when walking outside. It’s never a good idea to walk in the street; you should always stay on the sidewalk if there is one. If there’s no sidewalk, stay on the grass and walk facing the oncoming traffic.
Carrying a flashlight or reflective light might seem a bit extreme, but the motion of the light is a quick way to alert a driver to your presence. When crossing a street, always use the crosswalk. This is where drivers expect to see someone in the road and are more alert to that possibility.
Also, wear light or bright colors so you’re easily visible and pay attention to your surroundings. Looking down at your phone might be tempting, but it could cause you to walk into the path of a vehicle.
When it comes to our interstates, it’s illegal in South Carolina to walk along them. It might seem like a shortcut, but it’s extremely dangerous and our state’s laws are designed to reduce that risk.
If you do plan to enjoy the cooler temperatures outside, take these easy steps to make sure it’s a safe outing.