Patrol shares pedestrian safety tips

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MOUNT GILEAD, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding both pedestrians and motorists that safety is a shared responsibility.

Since 2017, there have been 14,466 pedestrian-related crashes on Ohio’s roadways. Of those, 843 were fatal crashes involving the deaths of 847 pedestrians.

During this time, 48% of pedestrian-related crashes occurred between 6 and 11:59 p.m. One in three pedestrian-related crashes occurred on a Friday or Saturday. Pedestrians were at fault in 34% of pedestrian-related crashes and 53% of the fatal pedestrian-related crashes.

“Keeping those on our roads safe is a shared responsibility,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “I encourage both drivers and pedestrians to always stay alert and avoid using devices that distract you from paying attention to where you’re walking or driving.”

Pedestrians should always use a sidewalk when it is provided. It is unlawful for pedestrians to walk along and upon the adjacent roadway if a sidewalk is available. Where no sidewalk or shoulder exists, pedestrians may walk as close as practicable to an outside edge of the road, facing oncoming traffic.

“Whether you’re on foot or behind the wheel, you should always be aware of your surroundings,” said Lt. Coby Holloway, Mount Gilead Post commander. “Keep alert at all times to ensure pedestrians can be seen.”

Pedestrians and motorists can follow these tips to increase pedestrian safety:

• Do not be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.

• Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night.

• Pedestrians should cross where motorists expect them to, follow pedestrian signs and signals, and never assume a driver can see you.

• Motorists are required to yield to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk and in unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

• Motorists can use bright headlights when legally able to illuminate the roadway and possibly spot a pedestrian walking near the roadway.

• Motorists should slow down and drive cautiously in residential areas.

For more information, a traffic safety bulletin can be found at https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/static/links/Pedestrian_Bulletin_2022.pdf.

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Submitted story

Submitted by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

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