This week’s safety tip is for people walking. Vermont law requires people driving to yield to people walking in marked crosswalks, but there is some shared responsibility and ways to ensure your own safety. Make sure that people driving see you (make eye contact if possible). Vermont law requires that people walking don’t enter the street such that a vehicle won’t be able to stop for you. In other words, you can’t just walk into a crosswalk and assume that people driving will stop. Even once you are crossing, it is a good idea to keep looking in both directions – children are taught to “keep their head on a swivel”. Don’t step out into the street from between parked cars, where you may not be visible to drivers. People walking should be especially careful at night. Wear light colored clothing or clothing with some reflective material to enhance your visibility. If you are walking on a street with no sidewalks, it is generally safest to walk against traffic. This gives you a good view of oncoming traffic and also positions you further away from traffic approaching you from the back. Everyone using Vermont’s roads needs to be mindful of each other and to take steps to stay safe. 

Thanks to an observant Randolph citizen and the Randolph Police Department, the in-street pedestrian sign that went missing earlier this week was found and has been returned to its location. Walk, Bike, Roll Randolph also appreciated the comments and suggestions about the signs. We went out yesterday afternoon and adjusted the location of the signs to make sure that vehicles can turn in and out of nearby streets and driveways. We observed traffic and pedestrians for a while, which is always interesting. We didn’t see any pedestrians not using the crosswalks. Vehicles were compliant when people were crossing, however, there appears to be a habit of driving faster than the posted 25 MPH. Additionally, a number of people were observed using their cell phones or otherwise being distracted with eating, looking for things in the front seat and other non-driving tasks. 

We would like to remind drivers to stay focused on the important task of driving, especially in the downtown and on residential streets where you will be interacting with pedestrians, people on bikes and other vulnerable road users. Equally important is to be mindful of your speed in areas where it is posted as 25 MPH. Speed is a critical factor when it comes to safety. As a driver, do your part by driving at or below the limit so that you are the most prudent driver and others behind you are forced to follow the limit. Here are the facts about how speed impacts pedestrian safety: At 20 MPH, there is a 5% chance of pedestrian fatality; at 30 MPH, this rises to 45% and at 40 MPH, 85% of pedestrians hit by a speeding driver will be killed. Lower speed lessens the likelihood of incapacitating injuries as well, including occupants of the vehicle. Please be mindful of your speed and help to make Randolph a safe place for everyone, regardless of how they are traveling.