Don’t ruin the holidays by being a “pedtextrian"

The hustle and bustle of the holidays are upon us, and with just a week until Christmas is about to get even more distracting. Visiting shopping centers, attending parties, discussing holiday gifts with loved ones and even online shopping are a huge part of the season. During this festive time of year, we need to remember one thing – stay alert while traveling.

Whether you text or drive, or text and walk at the same time, both activities are dangerous. The National Safety Council said that distracted walking incidents are on the rise and everyone with a cell phone is at risk of serious injury if they don’t pay attention while walking.

In 2016, 5,987 pedestrians were killed in the United States.  A contributing factor for this rise in fatalities is not paying attention to our surroundings. This is putting our safety, and the safety of others, at risk.

The solution is simple: Stop using phones while walking, even if you aren’t at a crosswalk or intersection. Distracted walking incidents can happen virtually anywhere, even in our own homes or familiar places.

An added hazard to texting while walking is sidewalks that are covered in ice.

Both the NSC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have some great tips to help walk safer and smarter:

• Don’t use your phone or smart device while walking.  If you aren’t paying attention, you may as well be walking blindfolded.
• Pay attention to vehicles: look left, then right, and then left again. Vehicles can travel large distances in a short timeframe. Never assume that you can beat a moving automobile.
• Be bright. Wear light colored clothing.
• Don’t wear headphones while walking. Like texting and walking, when we wear headphones we are sacrificing a crucial sense: our hearing.  The ability to hear an approaching vehicle can be an important warning sign that traffic is coming toward you.
• Never rely on a driver to stop, make sure they can see you. A great way to do this is to make eye contact with them. If you aren’t sure they have spotted you, don’t cross until it is safe.
• If your vision is blocked by another car or object, move to a safer location before crossing.
• Use crosswalks.
• Walk in groups.
• Never allow children younger than 10 to cross the street alone.

The holidays can be a wonderful time of year for many, and although our minds may be filled with presents, holiday treats, family and candy canes; if we use these tips the holidays could be jollier for everyone.

Keep an eye out: Parking lot safety is important

By Lisa Knoll

Southwest Kansas 

Public Affairs Manager

Think your holiday purchases are the only things that need extra protection during the holiday season?  Think again.  According to the National Safety Council, over 50,000 collisions occur in parking lots each year, resulting in 500 or more deaths and over 60,000 injuries.

Searching for a parking spot in a busy parking lot, which could be covered in ice or snow during the holidays is difficult.  Add to that the fact that 66% of drivers say they are texting, talking on the phone and checking their car’s GPS all while driving through busy parking lots.  Then add the distracted pedestrian who is texting, talking, taking selfies, posting, and it’s easy to understand how dangerous parking lots have become.

“Don’t let a parking lot incident spoil your holiday season”, said KDOT’s Traffic Safety Manager, Chris Bortz.  “It’s important that drivers not be lulled into complacency in a parking lot.  Even though speeds are reduced, there are still multiple hazards in a parking lot and it’s important for drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant at all times.”

As you head out this holiday season, and any other season, keep in mind these safety tips from the National Safety Council:

• Stay in lanes and avoid cutting across parking spaces
• Drive slowly and use directional signals
• Anticipate the actions of other drivers and pedestrians
• Obey stop signs and no-parking signs
• When backing out, be mindful of vehicles and pedestrians
• Watch for small children and parents with baby strollers
• It's best to conduct a quick, 360-degree walk-around your vehicle before backing, keeping an eye out for low-lying objects
• Don't rely completely on technology; look over your shoulder and use your mirrors as you back up
• When parking, pull through on arrival whenever possible, so that you can drive forward out of the parking space instead of reversing out of the parking space
• Respect handicap parking spots

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday shopping season.

Don’t ruin the holidays by being a “pedtextrian"

The hustle and bustle of the holidays are upon us and visiting shopping centers, attending parties, discussing holiday gifts with loved ones and even online shopping are a huge part of the season. During this festive time of year, we need to remember one thing – stay alert while traveling.

Whether you text or drive, or text and walk at the same time, both activities are dangerous. The National Safety Council said that distracted walking incidents are on the rise and everyone with a cell phone is at risk of serious injury if they don’t pay attention while walking.

In 2016, 5,987 pedestrians were killed in the United States.  A contributing factor for this rise in fatalities is not paying attention to our surroundings. This is putting our safety, and the safety of others, at risk.

The solution is simple: Stop using phones while walking, even if you aren’t at a crosswalk or intersection. Distracted walking incidents can happen virtually anywhere, even in our own homes or familiar places.

An added hazard to texting while walking is sidewalks that are covered in ice.

Both the NSC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have some great tips to help walk safer and smarter:

• Don’t use your phone or smart device while walking.  If you aren’t paying attention, you may as well be walking blindfolded.
• Pay attention to vehicles: look left, then right, and then left again. Vehicles can travel large distances in a short timeframe. Never assume that you can beat a moving automobile.
• Be bright. Wear light colored clothing.
• Don’t wear headphones while walking. Like texting and walking, when we wear headphones we are sacrificing a crucial sense: our hearing.  The ability to hear an approaching vehicle can be an important warning sign that traffic is coming toward you.
• Never rely on a driver to stop, make sure they can see you. A great way to do this is to make eye contact with them. If you aren’t sure they have spotted you, don’t cross until it is safe.
• If your vision is blocked by another car or object, move to a safer location before crossing.
• Use crosswalks.
• Walk in groups.
• Never allow children younger than 10 to cross the street alone.

The holidays can be a wonderful time of year for many, and although our minds may be filled with presents, holiday treats, family and candy canes; if we use these tips the holidays could be jollier for everyone.

Class is in Session: Pedestrian and bicycle safety

Many students will be walking and biking to school as they head back to calls this fall.  Both are fun, healthy ways for children to get to school every day, especially when children understand their responsibilities as pedestrians and bicyclists.  Here are some simple tips to keep them safe as they head out:

•  Be aware of your surroundings.
• Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available; if a child must walk on the street, he or she should face oncoming traffic.  Bicyclist should use the sidewalk when appropriate and ride with traffic.
• Cross only at crosswalks and intersections.
• Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street.
• Always walk with a responsible adult or in a group.  If bicycling in a group, ride single file.
• Students should practice walking or bicycling the route to school with an adult until they are comfortable with the route.

While walking and bicycling are fun and healthy, pedestrian/bicycle crashes are on the rise.  This is due in part to distracted drivers, as well as distracted pedestrians and bicyclists.  When walking or bicycling it is important for pedestrians and bicyclists to take responsibility for their safety.  That begins with being aware of your surroundings and ditching the distractions:

• Never walk or ride your bike while texting or talking on the phone.
• If texting, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk.
• Never cross the street while using an electronic device.
• Do not walk or ride your bike with headphones on.

Don’t be a Grinch by being a “pedtextrian"

The hustle and bustle of the holidays are upon us and visiting shopping centers, attending parties, discussing holiday gifts with loved ones and even online shopping are a huge part of the season. During this festive time of year, we need to remember one thing – stay alert while traveling.

Whether you text or drive, or text and walk at the same time, both activities are dangerous. The National Safety Council said that distracted walking incidents are on the rise and everyone with a cell phone is at risk of serious injury if they don’t pay attention while walking.

In 2016, 5,987 pedestrians were killed in the United States.  A contributing factor for this rise in fatalities is not paying attention to our surroundings. This is putting our safety, and the safety of others, at risk.

The solution is simple: Stop using phones while walking, even if you aren’t at a crosswalk or intersection. Distracted walking incidents can happen virtually anywhere, even in our own homes or familiar places.

An added hazard to texting while walking is sidewalks that are covered in ice.

Both the NSC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have some great tips to help walk safer and smarter:

• Don’t use your phone or smart device while walking.  If you aren’t paying attention, you may as well be walking blindfolded.
• Pay attention to vehicles: look left, then right, and then left again. Vehicles can travel large distances in a short timeframe. Never assume that you can beat a moving automobile.
• Be bright. Wear light colored clothing.
• Don’t wear headphones while walking. Like texting and walking, when we wear headphones we are sacrificing a crucial sense: our hearing.  The ability to hear an approaching vehicle can be an important warning sign that traffic is coming toward you.
• Never rely on a driver to stop, make sure they can see you. A great way to do this is to make eye contact with them. If you aren’t sure they have spotted you, don’t cross until it is safe.
• If your vision is blocked by another car or object, move to a safer location before crossing.
• Use crosswalks.
• Walk in groups.
• Never allow children younger than 10 to cross the street alone.

The holidays can be a wonderful time of year for many, and although our minds may be filled with presents, holiday treats, family and candy canes; if we use these tips the holidays could be jollier for everyone.

Halloween safety tips

Tomorrow, candy will flow and trick-or-treaters across the country will take to the streets to collect the sugary goodness. Here are some safety tips to ensure everyone has a frightfully good time.

Drivers:

• Turn on your headlights to improve visibility - Even in the day time.
• Watch for trick-or-treaters on curbs, streets and medians. They could be wearing darker costumes so keep your eyes peeled.
• Slow down in residential areas.  Give yourself extra time to react should a trick-or-treater dash into the road.
• Be sure to scan both sides of the street as you drive. Be prepared  to stop for trick-or-treaters.

Trick or Treaters:

 If you are young at heart and will be taking to the streets to collect some goodies, there are a few things you need to know:

• Let your parents or guardians know where you will be going. Create a route and stick to it. 
• Follow safety rules, and look both ways before crossing the streets. Don’t cross between vehicles.
• Trick or treat in a group. It can be more entertaining and safer. Younger children should be with a responsible adult or youth.
• Be bright at night - ensure that that your costume can be seen by drivers. Enhance your costumes with reflective tape or glow sticks.
• You should be able to see without difficulty. Don’t wear bulky masks or head gear. Consider using non-toxic face make up or paint.
• Carry a flashlight inside your Halloween bucket or bag so you can see where you are going. DON’T shine it into the eyes of drivers.
• Stay on sidewalks - if you must walk in the street, walk on the left side, facing traffic.

We hope you have a happy Halloween! 

Class is in session: Back to school safety tips

For many students across Kansas, the start of the school year is approaching. Motorists are encouraged to remember that students will soon be walking or biking to and from school, as well as entering or exiting buses and vehicles. Give yourself extra travel time and pay attention to help improve safety for everyone.

According to the National Safety Council, more children are hit by cars near schools than any other location. If you are dropping your child off at school, make sure you understand your school’s drop off and pick-up procedure.

When sharing the road with young pedestrians, it is important to keep the following in mind:

• No matter where the pedestrians may be, always use extreme caution. Young students may not understand all the traffic laws and it’s up to motorists to avoid hitting them.
• If a vehicle is stopped for pedestrians, don’t pass.
• Use your eyes, and look out for children who may be playing in playgrounds, parks and residential areas.
• When flashers are blinking in a school zone, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the intersection or crosswalk.
• Don’t block crosswalks when stopped at a red light or preparing to turn. Forcing pedestrians to go around you is dangerous and puts them in the path of oncoming traffic.

Bicycling is one of the most popular ways that children travel to school. On certain roads, most bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles. Unfortunately, children riding bikes can be unpredictable and young bicyclists may not understand all the laws surrounding traffic safety. 

Because bikes are smaller than a normal vehicle, the following should be considered:

• When passing a bicyclist, do so slowly and leave about 3 feet between the bicyclist and your vehicle.
• Wait for riders coming from the opposite direction to pass before you turn left.
• If you are turning right and a bicyclist is behind you, it better to let the bicyclist go through the intersection first before you finish making your turn.
• Always use your blinkers to communicate with all forms of vehicles, especially bicyclists.
• Young bikers can turn in front of cars with little to no warning and they may not be paying attention. Always stay alert.
• When traveling in school zones, expect the unexpected. Check for bikes coming from behind parked cars and drive ways.

Some children rely on the school bus for transportation. If you find yourself behind a school bus, allow for greater distance between yourself and the larger vehicle. Doing so will give you more time to stop.

It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped and waiting for children to board or depart the vehicle. With that in mind, there are more things to remember when sharing the road with a school bus:

• Stop far enough away from a school bus to allow the children to enter or depart safely. A 10-foot area around the bus can be the most dangerous for children.
• If the yellow or red lights are flashing and stop arm is extending traffic MUST stop.
• Be alert! Children can be unpredictable.

Parents or guardians of children should try to teach students ways they can improve safety during the school year and any time they need to interact with vehicles.

We wish all students who are starting their new school year the best of luck! And remember to always look left, then right and left again before crossing the street.

Pedestrian Safety Part II: Drivers and Pedestrians share responsibility

It’s Pedestrian Safety month and last week we discussed the rights that pedestrians have. This week we are going to look at how it is up to both drivers and pedestrians to help prevent tragedies.

Drivers:  Please follow these tips from pedbikeinfo.org so you can minimize the risk of hitting a pedestrian.

Watch for pedestrians at all times:

• Continuously scan ahead and along the sides of roads for possible pedestrians. It is possible that they may not see you and dart into the road. Be alert and prepared for anything.
• Before turning, look in every direction for pedestrians who could be crossing or coming up the road.
• Ditch the distractions while driving. This includes using your cell phone, messing with the radio and even eating.
• Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs. If you take prescription medication that affect how you drive, it is best to avoid getting behind the wheel.
• Make sure you can see at all times by keeping your windows and windshield clear and your headlights on—  especially when driving at night.

At crosswalks pedestrians have the right of way:

• Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, even if they aren’t marked, and when turning into an intersection.
• Don’t block or park on crosswalks.

Be Patient:

• Drive the speed limit and avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as passing a vehicle that is already stopped for pedestrians.
• Stop at all STOP signs
• If children are playing along the street or if there are older pedestrians in the area, use extra caution. They may not see you.
• Always be prepared to stop.

Pedestrians: You are vulnerable to serious injury if you are struck by a vehicle. Be responsible for your safety and follow these tips to ensure you stay safe:

• When possible, cross the street at marked crosswalks or intersections and obey the WALK/DON’T WALK signs.
• Watch for vehicles that may be turning and make sure the driver sees you.
• Don’t assume all motorists will stop. Look across all lanes that you are attempting to cross and clear each lane before proceeding.
• Don’t walk distracted. Wearing headphones and talking while crossing the street can be dangerous.
• Be bright. Be seen. Wear bright or light-colored clothing and reflective materials — even in the daytime.
• Carry a flashlight and cross streets in well-lit areas at night.
• Before crossing, make sure you are clear of busses, bushes, parked vehicles and other obstacles so you can be seen by drivers.
• Pedestrians should walk on the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is present, walk facing traffic as far away from moving vehicles as possible.
• Don’t assume the driver can see you. Make eye contact with the driver and don’t cross until you are sure they have seen you.
• When crossing the street, look left, right and left again before crossing the street, even if the pedestrian signals tell you it’s okay to cross.
• When walking behind parked vehicles, use your eyes and ears to make sure you stay safe. If the backup lights are on, or if you hear the engine running, avoid walking behind the vehicle.

At some point we are all pedestrians, and by practicing patience and being alert, we can all help avoid pedestrian-related fatalities.  Next week we will discuss the increasing dangers of parking garages and lots.

Pedestrian Safety Month Part 1: Pedestrians’ rights

The month of June is Pedestrian Safety Month.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA) 5,376 pedestrians were killed in 2015.  At some point, we are all pedestrians. Whether you are simply walking around your neighborhood, through a parking lot or to the grocery store, you are a pedestrian. Whether they are on foot or in a vehicle, good safety habits can help protect you and those around you.

The Public Health Law Center and the Kansas Health Foundation recently put out an informative report entitled Using Kansas Roads & Sidewalks for Active Transportation.

The report is helpful for understanding the laws surrounding pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle transportation as they interact with each other.

While motorists should always use caution and watch out for pedestrians, those traveling on foot have safety responsibilities as well:

•  Pedestrians must always exercise care for their own safety even when they have the right-of-way.
• Pedestrians who begin to cross a road when no vehicles are present and traffic-control signals are not in place have the right to continue to cross the entire road and have approaching vehicles stop or slow down to yield the pedestrian’s right-of-way at all marked crosswalks or intersections with unmarked crosswalks.
• Pedestrians are prohibited from suddenly leaving a curb or other place of safety. Pedestrians are also prohibited from walking or running into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to stop.
  
• Blind pedestrians carrying a clearly visible white cane or accompanied by a guide dog have the right of-way before other traffic at all places, including all crosswalks and intersections and the middle of the road.
  
• Pedestrians are prohibited from crossing outside of a marked crosswalk between intersections where traffic-control signals are in operation.
  
• Pedestrians crossing a road at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection are required to yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the road.
  
• Pedestrians are prohibited from crossing an intersection diagonally — unless authorized and as instructed by official traffic-control devices.
  
• Pedestrians are required to travel on the right half of crosswalks, when practicable.
  
• Pedestrians have the right-of-way before any vehicle on sidewalks.
  
• Pedestrians must use sidewalks rather than a roadway where a sidewalk is provided and usable.
  
• Pedestrians traveling on the road because of no available and usable sidewalk must travel on the shoulder, as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway— and, if on a two-way roadway, must walk only on the left side of the roadway.
  
• Pedestrians traveling on a roadway are required to yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the road.Pedestrians are prohibited from entering or traveling on any railroad property (including a railroad track, rail, or bridge) without permission. Anyone who does so is trespassing and is guilty of a misdemeanor.

For more information on other laws surrounding pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles check out the rest of the report.

Join us next week when we discuss how drivers in vehicles and pedestrians should work together to keep each other safe. 

KDOT calls for Transportation Alternative Program projects

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is calling for projects for the 2017 and 2018 Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program.

The TA Program, as administered by the department, provides funding for a variety of alternative transportation projects. These include pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure for non-driver access to public transportation, projects that enhance mobility for bicyclists and pedestrians, improvements to the scenic or environmental assets in our state, Safe Routes to School projects, and others. An estimated $18 million in federal funds are anticipated to be available over the course of two Calendar Years. All selected projects will be required to meet a 20% local cash match.

KDOT’s 2017 and 2018 TA Program Guidance & Application Packet, which includes timeline, application, eligibility, scoring criteria, and project selection notes, is available for download at: https://www.ksdot.org/bureaus/burtransplan/TransAlt.asp

Important Dates:

Monday, May 8, 2017 – Call for Projects announced and website will be live with application and guidance documents.

Monday, May 15, 2017, 9 am – 12 pm – TA Workshop in Topeka at KDOT headquarters, 700 SW Harrison, 4^th Floor Auditorium A & B.  This will be geared toward eligible Project Sponsors.  Space is limited; please RSVP by 2 pm on May 12, 2017 to Matthew.Messina@ks.gov.

KDOT will host this workshop to inform eligible Project Sponsors about the process and go over changes from past Calls for Projects.  Staff from various state and federal agencies will be available to discuss TA program categorical information and the project application process.

Friday, July 7, 2017 4:00pm – Applications are due (5 paper copies and one digital copy in PDF format) mailed to KDOT headquarters:

Attn: Matthew Messina, 700 SW Harrison St. 2^nd Floor, Topeka, KS 66603

July, 2017 – September, 2017 – Site Visits for all projects.

November, 2017 – Final selections by KDOT and announcement of awards.

For more information, please contact Matt Messina at Matthew.Messina@ks.gov or call 785.296.7448.

Trick or treat safety tips

This evening, candy will flow and trick-or-treaters across the country will take to the streets to collect the sugary goodness. Here are some safety tips to ensure everyone has a frightfully good time.

Drivers:

• Turn on your headlights to improve visibility - Even in the day time.
• Watch for trick-or-treaters on curbs, streets and medians. They could be wearing darker costumes so keep your eyes peeled.
• Slow down in residential areas.  Give yourself extra time to react should a trick-or-treater dash into the road.
• Be sure to scan both sides of the street as you drive. Be prepared  to stop for trick-or-treaters.

Trick or Treaters:

 If you are young at heart and will be taking to the streets to collect some goodies, there are a few things you need to know:

• Let your parents or guardians know where you will be going. Create a route and stick to it. 
• Follow safety rules, and look both ways before crossing the streets. Don’t cross between vehicles.
• Trick or treat in a group. It can be more entertaining and safer. Younger children should be with a responsible adult or youth.
• Be bright at night - ensure that that your costume can be seen by drivers. Enhance your costumes with reflective tape or glow sticks.
• You should be able to see without difficulty. Don’t wear bulky masks or head gear. Consider using non-toxic face make up or paint.
• Carry a flashlight inside your Halloween bucket or bag so you can see where you are going. DON’T shine it into the eyes of drivers.
• Stay on sidewalks - if you must walk in the street, walk on the left side, facing traffic.

Have a safe and happy Halloween! 

Scare factor encourages pedestrians to pay attention

‘Tis the season for all things scary. With Halloween just a week away, Pittsburgh Penn., is taking advantage of this spooky time of year to encourage safety.

Because of the rise of smart phone usage, pedestrians are paying less attention when crossing the streets and are focusing on the next tweet, text message or even the next big video game.

In an article published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that improvisational actors dressed as zombies or the Grim Reaper are stopping people who are paying attention to their phones while crossing busy streets and reminding them to look up using the catch phrase, “Look Alive.”

In the video below, The Grim Reaper heckles pedestrians, with phrases like, “If you text, you are next!”

A geofencing app is also being used that sends alerts to pedestrians when they are using their phones at busy intersections.

Crossing busy streets doesn’t have to be scary, but with pedestrian/car incidents on the rise, this is a message that should be taken seriously all year round. 

Check out the video below and let us know your thoughts on this campaign! Could you see something like this coming to Kansas? Do you feel it would make a difference on reminding pedestrians to pay attention?