Drivers, pedestrians: Take care of yourselves and others on the road | Editor’s Notebook

As newspaper editors and reporters, there are some stories we never want to write. Last month, we were notified twice by the Redmond Police Department (RPD) that pedestrians had been struck by vehicles. One 87-year-old man died on the scene, and a woman in her early 60s later passed away at Harborview Medical Center.

By Andy Nystrom • January 15, 2016 2:14 pm

As newspaper editors and reporters, there are some stories we never want to write.

Last month, we were notified twice by the Redmond Police Department (RPD) that pedestrians had been struck by vehicles. One 87-year-old man died on the scene, and a woman in her early 60s later passed away at Harborview Medical Center.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims.

Both drivers stayed at the scene and cooperated with police, who noted that they didn’t believe either driver was impaired and the accidents were still under investigation. In one case, investigators believed that rain and poor visibility may have been factors in the collision.

As both drivers and pedestrians, please try and take care of yourselves and others when you’re on the road.

According to the RPD, “Winter can be a dangerous time of year for pedestrians and drivers. A common statement from drivers following a collision with a pedestrian is, ‘I never saw the pedestrian.’ As a pedestrian, arm yourself with that information and take the following precautions”:

• Be visible. Pedestrians wearing dark clothing at night may not be seen in time for a driver to stop. Yellow and white clothing increases your safety, but reflective clothing, accessories, and equipment is best. Do not enter the street from behind a parked car or other obstruction.

• Look both ways. Always look to the left, to the right, and to the left again before entering any roadway.

• Use a marked crosswalk when possible. Keep in mind, all intersections, whether they are marked or unmarked, are legal pedestrian crossings. For more info on crosswalks, visit http://tinyurl.com/bw3zk7a.

• Cross at the intersection. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at an intersection. A pedestrian must not interfere with traffic when crossing a roadway at any point other than a marked crosswalk or intersection.

• Keep your attention on the traffic. Most collisions between pedestrians and motor vehicles happen in crosswalks where pedestrians feel most protected.

• Don’t cross against the signal. Always cross with the pedestrian signal. Watch for turning cars before you enter the roadway.

• Signal your intentions. Make eye contact with a driver before you enter the roadway. Put your hand out to signal your intent to cross the street.

• Don’t dart or run into traffic. Pedestrians should not enter the roadway so suddenly that a driver is unable to stop.