Troopers Warn Less Daylight, More Danger for Motorists and Pedestrians

Alabamians will turn their clocks back Sunday as Daylight Savings time ends.  Because of doing so, there will be less daylight, which, according to Alabama State Troopers, could mean more danger for pedestrians on the state’s roadways.  Troopers are urging both motorists and pedestrians to take more precautions than usual as they drive and walk the roadways of Alabama. 

“We need you, the motoring public, to help us to prevent traffic injuries and fatalities involving pedestrians, especially as our days grow shorter,” Col. Hugh B. McCall, director of the Alabama Department of Public Safety said.

In the past several weeks alone, three pedestrians have been killed by motor vehicles.  One pedestrian, Amos Holt Jr., 51-years-old, died after he was struck by a pick-up truck on October 20.  Two other victims were riding their bicycles when struck and killed, one in Birmingham and one in St. Clair County.  A hit and run accident left a woman pedestrian in critical condition this past week.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers these safety tips for individuals who walk, jog or run along roadways:

  • When possible, cross a street or roadway at a designated crosswalk
  • Always stop and look right, left, and right again before crossing.
  • Increase visibility at night by carrying a flashlight when walking and wearing reflective clothing.
  • It is always safer to walk on a sidewalk, but if you must walk along the street or a rural roadway, always walk facing traffic.

Troopers reminded drivers they are to yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing streets in marked or unmarked crosswalks, and to always be especially careful when turning onto another street for pedestrians in their path, as this is where the failure to yield right-of-way most often occurs.

By following Alabama Troopers and NHTSA safety suggestions, motorists and pedestrians can prevent traffic injuries and deaths involving pedestrians on Alabama’s roadways.

Archives