Driver's and Pedestrians: Crosswalk Safety Tips

Why Lynnwood Police Continue Its Strict Crosswalk Enforcement

One of the first days of inclement fall weather has left Lynnwood with a couple tragic incidents

On Oct. 24 Lynnwood had two separate vehicle vs. pedestrians incidents. This left one woman with serious injuries and another in a coma. Both of these women were crossing the streets in marked crosswalks. While these were terrible accidents, both the drivers and the pedestrians could have done more to prevent this from happening.
 

Tips to reduce the likelihood of injury involving pedestrians:

• Pedestrians shouldn’t assume that the driver sees them, even if they see the driver.
• Pedestrians and drivers should make eye contact before crossing the street.
• Pedestrians should always try to walk on paths or sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks or paths they should walk facing the street traffic.
• Use crosswalks.
• Pedestrians should wear bright colors or reflective materials for greater visibility, especially in the dark or during inclement weather.
• Drivers should be sure their windshields are completely defrosted and clear of all obstructions before driving.
• Drivers and pedestrians should always use extreme caution when walking and/or driving while using a cell phone and/or walking with headphones on.
   

Unfortunately, these incidents are after several months of crosswalk safety emphasis and education programs coordinated by both the Lynnwood Police and Fire Departments.

In three separate crosswalk stings, the Lynnwood Police Department has issued nearly 100 failure-to-yield infractions to drivers who failed to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. The Lynnwood Police Department will continue to increase driver awareness of pedestrians and educate pedestrians about the safest ways to walk and cross.