In the United States, more than 4,700 pedestrians died from traffic-related injuries in 2003, and another 70,000 received nonfatal injuries. On average, a pedestrian is injured every 8 minutes, and killed every 2 hours.

Road conditions, speed and improper pedestrian behavior are all contributing factors to these injuries and many times, taking simple safety precautions can help avoid these needless tragedies.

As the days get shorter and winter is upon us, be aware that weather plays a vital part in the safety of road conditions. Drivers, under normal driving conditions, need to constantly be aware of other cars, pedestrians walking on the side of the road and the speed their own vehicle is traveling. Add ice, snow or rain into the equation and you can have deadly results. Icy roads or roads with snow piled along the side leave no safe area for pedestrians to walk. If the road is without sidewalks, many times, people are forced to walk in the street.

The Uncas Health District reminds you that by keeping in mind the following safety rules, you and the drivers around you will be much safer:

• Walk in the direction facing traffic-you can see cars and they can see you
• At night, carry a flashlight
• Wear light or white colored clothing
• Attach some sort of blinking light or reflective device on your clothing-this will alert drivers that you are walking in the road
• Walk single-file so that you are as close to the side of the road as possible
• Whenever possible, cross in crosswalks or at intersections

For more information regarding pedestrian safety, please contact Jody Rubino, Injury Prevention Coordinator at 860-823-1189 x113 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .