Recent news regarding the increase of pedestrian deaths and other traffic-related matters prompts this piece, with the intent of helping all of us be safer. Here are 10 major points:
» Communication by drivers and pedestrians.
Too many of us are not communicating with one another. For example, many drivers do not use their turn signals; at other times, signals are made at the last minute, confusing the rear drivers.
Pedestrians walk in crosswalks not paying attention to motorists, using cellphones, etc., as if an invisible wall will guarantee their safety.
Better communication is a must in order to reduce death and accidents.
» Obeying traffic laws and following good practices.
On careful observation, one would note that about half of drivers are breaking the law or not driving properly. An estimated 50 percent of drivers do not use turn signals to make turns or change lanes. There are many drivers going through red lights. On making turns, too many drivers make balloon turns and encroach into the next lane.
Pedestrians frequently jaywalk or cross the street in a diagonal route, exposing themselves for a longer time to be hit by a car.
» Right turn on red.
There are too many drivers making this movement illegally — they do not come to a complete stop, observing pedestrians and traffic before safely proceeding.
» Use of a stop line or bar at an intersection.
Frequently, a driver from a side street will try to enter a main road by "charging out," causing the driver on the main street to slow down or veer into the next lane. The driver should stop behind the stop line, then slowly enter the main street. This will allow time to observe pedestrians and any car making a left turn into the side street.
» Mid-block crosswalks.
On a multi-lane road like King Street, all drivers and pedestrians must be very alert at all times to prevent accidents. A driver observing a car stopping in an adjoining lane should slow down and be ready to stop. A pedestrian needs to check each lane while crossing.
» Drivers and pedestrians are not equal.
Many say that each person is responsible for one’s actions, and in general, most would agree. However, a driver must pass written and driving performance tests. There are no such tests for pedestrians, and frequently, they are the elderly and young school-age children. This being the case, the drivers must share the larger burden on the streets.
» Good drivers and pedestrians can improve traffic flow.
Our traffic condition gets worse each year. But if all drivers drove in a safe and correct manner and all pedestrians crossed the streets as they should, our roads would operate at maximum efficiency.
» Runners and walkers.
Many runners and walkers use the paved streets instead of the sidewalks and shoulders. This practice is dangerous and can cause accidents.
» Moped and bicycle riders.
Especially at stop lights, many moped and bicycle riders often cut in and out of lanes to gain a better traffic position at the risk of an accident and breaking the law.
» Dress in bright and/or light-colored clothing.
There are too many pedestrians and bicycle riders wearing dark clothes, especially during early morning or evening hours. Some pedestrians and bicyclists use flashing/blinking lights to be more visible; this should be used by all.
The police and community organizations should conduct a comprehensive traffic and pedestrian program that will focus on correct and proper practices. This continuous all-year program would be similar to the current "Click It or Ticket" program and the Defensive Driving Program that Hawaii and the nation had many years ago.
