sAFETY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR PEDESTRIANS AND DRIVERS.
- A Mesa County child was hit by a car while walking to school , this week.
- Drivers and pedestrians alike should take precautions to stay safe , especially during busy times , between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 2:30 and 5 p.m.
- Tips for drivers:
- Look out for pedestrians everywhere , at all times.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
- Never pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks –people may be crossing that you can’t see.
- More than 3 ,000 people were killed in 2014 distracted driving crashes – 520 of those people weren’t in the vehicle. Don’t be a distracted driver. Put your phone away.
- Be extra cautious when backing up – pedestrians can move into your path.
- Tips for pedestrians:
- Always walk on the sidewalk facing traffic. If there is no sidewalk , walk along the shoulder of the road , also facing traffic.
- Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections if possible.
- Don’t rely on pedestrian signals. Look left , right and left again before crossing a street.
- Watch for turning vehicles. Make sure the driver sees you and will stop for you.
- Don’t play games on a cellphone , talk on a cell phone or wear headphones while crossing.
- Safety is a shared responsibility. Be a courteous and observant driver and/or pedestrian.
Take precautions to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke
- Multiple wildfires are creating smoke across Colorado , including the 621 acre Spring Creek 2 Wildfire , burning in Mesa County , about 5 miles south of Parachute.
- Although recent updates indicate the fire is 70 percent contained , smoke may continue to impact residents.
- If smoke is thick or becomes thick in your neighborhood , consider remaining indoors.
- This is especially true for sensitive groups , such as people with heart disease , respiratory illnesses , the very young and the elderly.
- Limit outdoor activity when moderate or heavy smoke is present.
- Sensitive groups should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
- If smoke is thick , turn off your swamp cooler to help keep smoke from entering your home.
- Consider running an errand or relocating temporarily to a building with a closed cooling system , like a mall or grocery store , if smoke is present indoors and is making you ill.
- If visibility is less than five miles in your neighborhood due to smoke , smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.
- Contact your health care provider if you experience respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath , coughing and sore throat.
