Patrol urges motorist-pedestrian safety

FREMONT — The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds drivers and pedestrians that sharing the roads safely is the responsibility of both parties. "Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians," Gov. Mike DeWine said. "I encourage pedestrians to protect themselves and stay alert around vehicles and drivers to stay alert and watch for pedestrians." More than 800 pedestrians have died in 14,000-plus pedestrian-related traffic crashes since 2018, in Ohio, according to a news release from the patrol. More than 45% of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were suspected of being impaired, the release states. Pedestrians were at fault in 33% of all pedestrian-vehicle crashes and in 52% of fatal collisions. It is unlawful for pedestrians to walk along and on the adjacent road if a sidewalk is available, according to the patrol. In places where there is not a sidewalk or a road shoulder, pedestrians may walk as close as practicable to the outside edge of the road, facing oncoming traffic. "As a driver, one of the many responsibilities you have is to be aware of your surroundings," patrol superintendent Col. Charles Jones said. "Keep alert at all times. Avoid distractions and look for pedestrians." Be safe Here are some tips from the patrol that both pedestrians and motorists can follow to increase pedestrian safety: • Do not be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road. • Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night. • Pedestrians should cross where motorists expect them to, follow pedestrian signs and signals and never assume a driver can see them. • Motorists are required to yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks and in unmarked crosswalks at intersections. • Motorists can use bright headlights when legally able to illuminate the road and possibly spot a pedestrian walking near the road. • Motorists should slow down and drive cautiously in residential areas. Pedestrian-related crashes by county so far in 2023: • Erie — 7 crashes, 2 fatal • Huron — 5 crashes, 0 fatal • Ottawa — 0 crashes • Sandusky — 5 crashes, 1 fatal Source: Ohio State Highway Patrol crash dashboard