Why November is the most dangerous for Kentucky runners, cyclists and how to stay safe
As the calendar flips to November, we're entering one of the most dangerous periods of the year for pedestrians, runners, and cyclists.
Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, Nov. 5, which means nightfall comes earlier and as a result, the rate of pedestrian fatalities dramatically increases. Data from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on the volume of motor vehicle crashes and the number of pedestrians killed in traffic incidents indicates that once Daylight Savings Time ends, pedestrian deaths increase. While November is the highest, December and February also ranked high for pedestrian danger in Kentucky.
"Approximately 75% of pedestrian deaths in Louisville occur during non-daylight hours," Claire Yates, transportation planner with Louisville Metro Government, told the Courier Journal. "Pedestrians and motorists need to be reminded to be extra vigilant."
According to The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety, of the 96 pedestrian deaths in Kentucky last year, 67 occurred after dark. So far this year, there have been 69 pedestrian deaths, 49 of which occurred after dark.
Here's what else to know:
Where do most pedestrian deaths occur in Louisville?
While June has the lowest rate of pedestrian fatalities, as Yates points out, any month of the year can be dangerous for pedestrians during non-daylight hours. She says this is especially true on roadways where people drive over the speed limit.
"Most fatal and serious injury crashes occur on busy high-speed roads," Yates said. "We call them 'arterial roadways' like Broadway, Dixie Highway, Preston, New Cut, Cane Run, and Taylor Boulevard. These are the types of roads where motorists drive over the speed limit and we consistently see people killed or seriously injured."
Yates heads up Vision Zero Louisville, a collaborative, nonprofit campaign helping communities set and reach the goal of zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries among all road users. Part of her mission is to identify where and when serious or fatal pedestrian crashes happen and to create safer solutions.
There is an interactive dashboard on the Vision Zero website that shows locations where pedestrian and cyclist fatalities and serious injuries have taken place. Additionally, the website includes a list of the people who have died as a result of being hit by a motor vehicle in Louisville.
One of several ways Vision Zero is working to improve pedestrian visibility and safety is by adding street lights and repairing those that are damaged. But there are a number of ways both pedestrians and motorists can take personal responsibility to enhance safety as we approach this dangerous period of the year.
How can pedestrians stay safe during non-daylight hours?
While most of us would prefer to walk, run or ride a bicycle during the day, busy schedules and limited daylight hours often mean you are out in the dark evenings or the low light of the morning. If you must be out when the sun is not, stay alert and follow these tips for staying safe:
Make yourself a beacon of light. It's important for drivers to be able to see you, so invest in light-colored clothing with reflective detailing and get yourself some high-visibility accessories. Front and rear lights are a must for people who ride bicycles in non-daylight hours.
It is vital to always be aware of your surroundings for possible vehicles. Remove earphones or reduce the volume of your music to ensure you move as safely as possible.
There is safety in numbers. As the days get shorter, run with a friend or join a running group.
Stick to well-lit routes to reduce your risk of tripping or stumbling. This will also make you more visible to oncoming traffic.
Use crosswalks when available. Avoid jaywalking and crossing between parked vehicles.
Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If you must walk on the street, walk facing traffic so you can see any potential dangers coming.
Don’t depend on the traffic signal to protect you. Motorists may be distracted, especially when adjusting to the nighttime travel environment.
How can drivers be more aware during non-daylight hours?
Daylight Savings Time returns on Sunday, March 10, 2024, which means the evening hours will be darker from November through early March. But don't be fooled, non-daylight hours any time of the year increase the chances of a motor vehicle and pedestrian crash. Here are a few common-sense safety tips as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end for 2023:
Put the phone down and pay attention. Driving while distracted increases the risk for all road users.
Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Be especially careful at intersections when turning onto another street.
Keep your windshield, windows and mirrors clean so you can scan the road ahead and establish a “visual lead.”
Obey the speed limit. Driving at the posted limit allows you to see, identify and react in time to brake for pedestrians.
Be aware in neighborhoods and school zones. Children are often the smallest pedestrians, making them harder to see. Additionally, younger children may dart into intersections without understanding the dangers.
Drive sober
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: November is most dangerous for Kentucky pedestrians. How to stay safe
