MPD on PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

DRIVERS AND WALKERS REMINDED TO CONSIDER PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
AS DAYLIGHT HOURS GROW SHORTER
As the season changes and we lose an hour of daylight, the Metropolitan Police Department
would like to remind everyone to be aware of their surroundings to ensure the safe travels of
other drivers and pedestrians on our city streets. Many of us are now commuting home from
work in the darkness. We all need to exercise extra caution and take responsibility for our
personal safety and the safety of those around us.
Drivers are reminded to turn on vehicle headlights and be vigilant in looking out for
pedestrians. As the weather gets colder, watch the road, as wet or icy spots are considerably
harder to see in the dark.
When walking or exercising in the dusk or dark, keep the following tips in mind:
• Stay on the sidewalk, not in the street; only cross the street in crosswalks with traffic
control devices.
• Look both ways before crossing the street
• Never run between cars into the street.
• Wear clothing that allows drivers and people to see you. That means no dark clothes
after dark or early in the morning.
• Exercising outdoors at dusk or at night can be dangerous without some type of reflective
device on your clothing. Many athletic shoes have reflective qualities built in, but also
consider a vest complete with reflective tape.
• Keep alert for your personal safety! Dawn and dusk offer convenient shadows for muggers
and other crooks.