(COLO)—School is back in session, the evening air is getting crisper, and daylight hours are getting shorter. As fall approaches, pedestrians need to take steps toward their personal safety as dangers on the road increase in low-light situations. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), last year, more than 70% of pedestrian fatalities occurred in dark conditions.
“Whether on foot, bike or scooter, drivers should anticipate pedestrians will be present alongside or crossing our community roadways. And it is equally important that pedestrians understand they are not exempt from following traffic laws,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Traffic signals, intersections, and crosswalks are designed to increase safety, but they can only be effective if people use them.”
When the Colorado State Patrol looked at the top citations involving pedestrians from 2023, the most common was an individual’s disregard for the safety device trying to protect them.
“In Colorado, pedestrians have the right of way at intersections and crosswalks, but they still have to follow traffic signals,” stated Col. Packard. “Drivers must yield or come to a complete stop to let pedestrians pass safely.”
Pedestrian crashes investigated by the Colorado State Patrol in 2023 revealed that the peak days for these incidents were Thursday – Saturday with the peak hours covering 3 – 8 p.m.
Safety is a two-way street! Drivers and pedestrians must each do their part to share the road. The Colorado State Patrol is offering these tips to help pedestrians increase their safety,
- Cross only at marked crosswalks or intersections. Don't cross in the middle of the block or between parked cars.
- Lock eyes. Make sure drivers see you before you cross. If the driver is stopped, make eye contact before you step onto the roadway.
- Be seen. Wear light-colored or reflective clothing or use your phone as a flashlight when out in the dark.
- Walk facing traffic, especially when there are no sidewalks.
- Remove headphones when walking, riding, or playing near the road.
- Pay attention. Don’t walk distracted by texting or talking on a cell phone.
- Obey traffic signals. Don’t cross the street on a red light, don’t ignore “Don’t Walk” signals, and use sidewalks for foot traffic when available.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.