Caudia Board is right on the mark, with her brief letter (“Lighten up, pedestrians”, Jan. 16, Auburn Reporter) encouraging pedestrians to wear light clothing when walking in the dark.
Pedestrians have many responsibilities to ensure their safety. Even light clothing can be hard to see in poor conditions, such as when it’s raining at night. You can increase your safety further by adding something that can be seen from all sides, like luminescent running or cycling jackets, raincoats with reflective stripes or reflective bands around your pant legs or arms.
I have a reflective dry bag backpack that’s very visible. Some people clip a flashing red light, like a bicycle taillight to their back. You may not be styling, but you’ll be more likely to stay alive.
Carry a flashlight to increase your visibility at night by shining it in the general direction of the cars most likely to present a threat, particularly at intersections, as well as to illuminate other hazards.
When you cross at a controlled intersection, wait for the “walk” light, but don’t assume you will be given the right of way. Make eye contact with the drivers waiting to turn across your path so you have a better idea of each other’s intent. Many drivers don’t seem to realize that if you wait for the cars that are turning right when you get the “walk” light and they simultaneously get the green light, you don’t have time to cross. If you are crossing on the left side, watch for cars approaching from the rear to turn left across your path.
If you insist on jaywalking, doing so in the middle of a block, rather than close to the intersection gives both pedestrian and motorist a better chance to see each other before it’s too late. And please, use common sense; don’t jaywalk with your little kids. If you walk where there are no sidewalks, like Lea Hill, please walk on the left side of the road. If someone’s impaired or distracted and about to take you out, you can see them coming and probably jump to safety.
Stay alert. If you’re lost in space, you’re not going to see the hazards coming your way. You’re also more vulnerable to being targeted by unsavory characters. To be safe, women especially should consider walking with others, with a dog or carrying pepper spray, particularly at night.
As a chiropractor, I see too many unnecessary injuries due to people slipping and falling on the ice. Traction devices like YakTrax are a very wise investment. Invest in the clothing to enable you to walk year round comfortably.
Walking regularly is one of the most important things you can do to maintain or regain your health, so long as you do so safely. It gives you quiet time you can use for reflection, and if you’re so inclined, for meditation and prayer.
It also gives you the opportunity to cross paths with people you wouldn’t encounter otherwise. Just a smile and a “good morning” with no strings attached can brighten yours and their day.
Try it, it’s contagious.
– Phil Thompson
