When exploring the many wonderful sites and attractions in Broomfield, CO, pedestrian safety is a must. Pedestrians can face a grave risk when traveling in areas heavily populated with vehicles, especially when drivers behave in a careless or negligent manner. To this end, the responsibility for keeping pedestrians safe and sound is one that is shared equally.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are numerous risk factors that can impact pedestrian safety when on the road. In terms of alcohol use, the risk of fatality increases greatly whether the driver or the pedestrian is under the influence at the time of the accident. In fact, 49 percent of fatalities involving pedestrians and vehicles featured alcohol usage on either the part of the victim or the driver.
Age can be a factor in the rate of pedestrian death, with those older than 65 making up 19 percent of all fatalities in 2013. Kids under 14 are also susceptible, especially when traveling at night or in high traffic areas (such as cities). Pedestrian traffic accidents claimed the lives of 4,735 people in just 2013 alone.
While pedestrian accidents can’t be completely avoided, there are steps one can take to greatly reduce the risk of serious injury or even death. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center urges safety in all situations, such as when traversing crosswalks. Pedestrians must look left, right, and left again before crossing to ensure it’s safe to do so. Additionally, when having the right of way one should never assume that a driver is aware of the presence of pedestrians on the road. Making prolonged eye contact is encouraged in this case, as it will call the driver’s attention.
