Darker Days Mean More Danger for Pedestrians

Public Health, Seattle & King County

Dark and rainy winter months should be a time for added attention to pedestrian safety. During November and December, 2004, and January 2005, there were 13 pedestrian deaths in King County. This winter, in the one month from November 10 -December 15, 2005, five more pedestrians were killed.

"We are committed to creating healthier and more pedestrian-friendly communities," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "We are in the most dangerous season for pedestrians, and both drivers and pedestrians must commit to safety."

From 2000 through 2003, over 100 pedestrians in King County died after being hit by motor vehicles, according to a report issued this year by Public Health - Seattle & King County. The report found that November, December, and January are especially dangerous months for pedestrians.  Work rush hours were also more dangerous.

"Walking is an excellent way to stay healthy, but to keep safe, dress to be seen," said Dorothy Teeter, Interim Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Don't assume drivers will see you. As a pedestrian, make eye contact with drivers and wear reflective clothing."

Public Health has found that King County males 40-49 years of age, older adults, and people of color are at greatest risk for pedestrian fatalities. The majority (62 percent) of deaths occurred during a pedestrian attempt to cross a roadway. In cases where police deemed drivers at fault, "inattention" was the leading factor.

Public Health - Seattle & King County and the King County Traffic Safety Coalition will convene a King County Pedestrian Safety Summit on January 19, 2006.  Participants will hear the most recent data on pedestrian deaths, learn from a variety of experts, and discuss solutions to reduce pedestrian injuries and deaths. Interested individuals may attend. Contact Lisa Watson for more information: 206-205-3917, lisa-PH.watson@metrokc.gov.

Public Health - Seattle & King County, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Washington State Department of Transportation advise pedestrians to follow these safety tips:

• Cross only at designated crosswalks, preferably with traffic lights.
• Always follow traffic signals. Walk only on a green or walk signal.
• Try to stay in well-lit areas.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing streets.
• Look "left, right, left" for traffic every time you cross.

Public Health's report, "A Profile of Pedestrian Fatalities in King County, Washington 2000-2003," is available on the web.

For more information about pedestrian safety, see Links You Can Use in this issue of Seniors Digest.

Public Health - Seattle & King County is among the largest metropolitan health departments in the country, providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services that achieve and sustain safer and healthier communities for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County. Answering the needs of an increasingly diverse population, Public Health - Seattle & King County touches people's lives every day through health promotion and prevention activities, disease surveillance, health care, outreach and referral services, environmental health services, emergency medical care, jail health services, and readiness and response to public health emergencies.