Attentive driving can keep pedestrians safe

Drivers and pedestrians are called on to share the road, and stay aware of surroundings, to protect all travelers this fall.

“We’ve lost too many friends, neighbors and loved ones to traffic crashes – many who are just out for a walk,” said WisDOT secretary Craig Thompson. “These tragic incidents have a lasting impact on our communities.

The number of pedestrians killed in crashes in Wisconsin, rose 44 percent last year, from 50 deaths in 2021, to 72 in 2022. Preliminary data shows improvement in the number of pedestrian-involved crashes this year, but fatalities remain high. So far, in 2023, 49 people were killed in 880 pedestrian-involved crashes.

Drivers must be extra conscious of pedestrian safety this time of year. When Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, Nov. 5, drivers will spend more time traveling in the dark, when pedestrians are difficult to see. Always keep a close eye on the road.

State laws aim to keep all road users safe, by creating a protected space to cross streets. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a sidewalk, alley or driveway, and when pedestrians have started crossing the street.

Drivers need to consider the following safety recommendations:

• Put the phone down to avoid distractions.

• Obey all posted signs and speed limits; driving a few miles per hour over the speed limit, can be the difference between life and death for a pedestrian.

• Do not block crosswalks when stopping at intersections.

• Always drive sober.

• Pedestrians are required to yield to drivers when crossing a road where there is no intersection, crosswalk or walk signal. They should not suddenly move into the path of a closely approaching vehicle that does not have time to yield.

• Pedestrians can take additional steps to keep themselves safe, too, by doing the following:

• Follow the rules of the road and obey signs, and signals.

• Use sidewalks whenever available; if there is no sidewalk, travel facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.

• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections; if a crosswalk is not available, find a well-lit area, with a clear view of traffic and wait for a gap that allows enough time to cross safely.

• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.

• Take extra care at night and at dusk, when chances of injury increase; wear reflective clothing or lights to be more visible.

“Reckless, distracted and impaired driving cause way too many crashes in Wisconsin, and they’re the most preventable incidents, if drivers take responsibility for safety on the roads,” said Bureau of Transportation Safety director David Pabst. “We hope that by sharing crash data and information about the dangers of these driving behaviors, people will realize it’s not worth the risk.”