BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Police Department writes to remind us all of basic courtesies in sharing the roadways. Following these basic guidelines and applying common sense will protect motorists and pedestrians any time of the year, but in winter, with its shorter days right about the time most businesses are closing, they're especially important.
Visibility is greatly reduced due to inclement weather and from snowbanks on the side of the road. Roadways can become hazardous from rain, sleet, ice, and snow, thus increasing a vehicle's stopping distance.
According to the Vermont Governor's Highway Safety Program, there were 10 pedestrian fatalities on state roads in 2012. We all have a stake in making our roads safer and doing our part in reducing that number. By practicing common sense and patience we can avoid these tragic events.
Here are a few helpful tips for motorists:
• Inclement weather makes pedestrians invisible. Slow down, keep an eye out for people walking along the road or wanting to cross the street, and yield to them.
• Always watch for crosswalks in the road. When approaching a crosswalk, slow and prepare to stop. Whether you see anyone or not, anticipate that someone may step out in front of you.
• When stopping at a crosswalk, stop far enough back so that other drivers can see the pedestrian and also yield. If the car ahead of you has stopped to let a pedestrian cross, never pass.
• Beware of pedestrians even where you may not expect any. We live in a rural area and our back roads are dark.
• When waiting to enter a road, look out for pedestrians - who may come from either side of the street - and yield to them.
• Slow down any time you're driving past a school or through a neighborhood. Children are unpredictable. Awareness and extra caution by the motorists could very well save a child's life.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Tragic incidents occur in a split second. Minimize your distractions.
Pedestrian safety measures are also essential. Walking at night or in inclement weather requires extra safety. With a few precautions and some common sense, you can learn to be a safe pedestrian.
• Be seen. Wear brightly colored, reflective clothing. If you walk at night, always carry a flashlight.
• Stay off the road, particularly when walking at night or during periods of low visibility. Rain and snow greatly reduce visibility for drivers. If walking on the shoulder of the roadway, stay as far off the pavement as possible and walk facing traffic.
• Use crosswalks and obey traffic lights. Get across the street as fast as safely possible. Jaywalking is illegal and, during the night or low visibility, it's downright dangerous.
• Remember that cars hydroplane and slide. When there is snow, ice, or water on the road, cars can easily lose steering and braking control. Beware of cars in these conditions.
• Make eye contact. Be aware of cars in your vicinity and make sure they're aware of you. Making eye contact with drivers provides additional safety. This unspoken communication reassures both driver and pedestrian of the other's existence and intentions, which reduces accidents.
• Beware of turning vehicles. Parking lots, intersections, and driveways can be dangerous. Motorists are concentrating on entering traffic safely and may not see you.