Pedestrian Safety Month is becoming more important to drivers, walkers and bicyclists

WARREN COUNTY, Ky.- The rules of the road are not just to protect those who are driving.

The United States vehicle safety ratings consider those traveling inside the vehicle. Many officials are beginning to factor in the safety of those outside of the vehicle.

October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and road safety advocates say a lot of the problems are large trucks that are dangerous to the walkers, runners and even people riding their bikes.

The public information officer for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, District 3, Wes Watt, shares his expertise on the subject and says, “A lot of people just think of roads as vehicles, but really roads are for all modes of transpiration. We all have a role to play in roadway safety, but even in pedestrian safety, it impacts everybody’s lives, and the different lives make up the community. It affects everybody. I mean it may not be you in the accident, but it could be a family member.”

Pedestrian safety applies to many people, especially those just doing their job. Some ways that you can be safe is by looking out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times and slowing down and being prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.

Jessica Watkins, a construction worker, has many experiences with drivers who aren’t paying attention to the road. She shares an unforgettable moment.

“One day a semi didn’t see me. I was flagging that day, and I was waving and doing everything I could in my power to get him to look at me to stop. By the time he stopped, I had to dive into the ditch to keep from getting hit. He hit his brakes and he was sliding sideways, and when he did get stopped, he was about 2 feet from the equipment.”

When it comes to being safe on the road, you have no idea who you can impact. Some ways that you can be intentional about your safety and others is by going the extra mile .

You can do this by visiting https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety  and gaining more pedestrian safety tips.