Minnesota residents should take extra care when walking on the streets. As a pedestrian, you’re at a higher risk of being in an accident in the fall months.
Why are more pedestrians at risk during the fall?
Fall months see less daylight as it grows dark earlier in the day. Pedestrians out after dark are more likely to be in accidents while crossing the street. Drivers are less likely to see pedestrians after dark if they aren’t wearing reflectors on their clothes or shoes. Those who wear darker-colored clothing are also at a higher risk of being struck by a vehicle as they’re harder to see.
Both drivers and pedestrians need to be extra cautious as the days grow shorter. Driving and walking both become riskier with the extra hours of darkness. In 2021, pedestrian accidents killed 45 pedestrians. A year earlier, in 2020, 36 pedestrians were killed and 654 injured while walking on the streets.
How can pedestrians stay safer?
Pedestrians can take measures to stay as safe as possible while walking outside after dark. Be alert at all times. Avoid anything distracting enough that your attention wanders when you’re crossing the street even if you’re in a crosswalk with a traffic light that’s in your favor. Look all around before crossing the street and only cross in well-lit areas.
Wear reflective clothing so that you can be more easily seen in poorly-lit areas if you have no choice but to be in those areas. Avoid jaywalking or crossing between parked cars or other obstacles so that you can be more easily seen by drivers.
Always look in both directions for oncoming traffic both ways before crossing the street. Be on the lookout for any vehicles making turns as well. Avoid crossing against the light even if you don’t see any vehicles approaching. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Pedestrian accidents can result in serious accidents or even death. Always remain alert walking at night.