Valentine’s Day is all about love. Love for our families, friends and the people that share our communities. It’s a good time to think about how we show that care in everyday moments, including how we look out for one another while traveling on our roads. With pedestrian fatalities remaining high, a little extra attention and kindness can truly make a difference.
If you’re behind the wheel, sharing the love can be as simple as slowing down and staying focused. Speed matters more than many people realize. Lower speeds give drivers more time to react and greatly reduce the risk of serious injury if a crash occurs. Winter driving already comes with challenges like ice, snow, and reduced daylight, and pedestrians are especially vulnerable in these conditions. Putting distractions like your phone aside and slowing down to provide an extra second to scan crosswalks, intersections, road shoulders, can help ensure everyone gets home safely. Remember that stopping distances increase in inclement weather, so easing off the accelerator early can prevent tragedy.
Pedestrians also play a role. Wearing bright or reflective clothing can make a big difference, especially at dawn, dusk and after dark. Using crosswalks and sidewalks when available, obeying pedestrian signals, and avoiding distractions like phones or headphones can help you stay aware of traffic. Making eye contact with drivers before crossing adds an extra measure of safety by helping to ensure you have been seen.
Everyone benefits from care, patience and courtesy on the road. Drivers should expect pedestrians, at marked and unmarked crosswalks, and pedestrians should assume drivers may not always see them right away. Small actions pedestrians can do, like waving a thank you or choosing a safer crossing point, can prevent serious crashes. Drivers can yield a few seconds longer and look out for pedestrians to help create a safer transportation network.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s remember that love shows up in how we treat strangers as well as those closest to us. Patience, awareness, and simple acts of care on our roads can save lives. When we look out for one another, our statewide community is stronger, and that is something worth celebrating.