Residents in need receive free lights for walking and biking

As daylight saving time ends and the evenings are darker, the cities of Eugene and Springfield, Lane Council of Governments, Safe Lane Transportation Coalition, PeaceHealth Rides Bike Share, Safe Routes to School, and Better Eugene Springfield Transportation are distributing free safety lights and reflective vests throughout Lane County.

The annual Be Safe, Be Seen campaign connects local service agencies with area communities to ensure residents get the safety tools they need for safe night travel. Agencies distributing the lights and vests to community members this year include Homes For Good, LILA, Willamalane, Head Start, The Mission, St. Vincent de Paul, Sponsors, Ophelia's Place, Community Supported Shelters, Connected Lane County and many more. Residents in need can visit these organizations to receive free lights and reflective materials all winter long.

Although vehicle drivers are always responsible for keeping others safe by paying close attention to the road, there are some steps people walking and biking can take to try to be seen. Visibility is especially important in the late fall, as it becomes dark earlier in the evening. Studies have shown that wearing reflective gear or a light can increase visibility to 500 feet at night compared to just 55 feet when wearing dark colors with no reflective gear or lights.

In addition to providing supplies to vulnerable community members, the City of Eugene is reminding everyone of the steps each person can take to stay safe on the roads, whether commuting to work, going to school, running errands or getting exercise. Remember, it is the responsibility of people driving to stay alert and undistracted. The safety of people walking, biking and rolling is in your hands!
The City highlights pedestrian safety in fall and winter because the days are shorter and the weather creates barriers with fog, rain and snow. Fatal crashes involving pedestrians are far more likely to take place at night when it's more difficult to see. In 2020, 77% of pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. occurred when it was dark out, according to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Everyone should:

• Plan ahead to avoid unplanned delays that cause rushed behavior.
• Know and follow traffic laws.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Pay attention to weather and road conditions and behave accordingly.
• Focus on the task at hand: driving, walking, rolling or biking.
• Drive, walk, bike or roll sober. Alcohol and drugs impair your abilities and judgment.

Driving tips

• Look for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists when you look for oncoming vehicles and other traffic. Be especially mindful in parking lots, at stop signs, and when backing up or parking.
• Be extra cautious when driving in low visibility conditions, or in places where people normally cross the road, such as parks, schools, shopping areas and busy intersections.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when entering a crosswalk, especially in low light conditions.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back to give other vehicles an opportunity to see crossing pedestrians.
• Follow the speed limit. Stay alert in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
• Check all crosswalks before turning to see if people are trying to cross the road.
• Stay alert and ditch the distractions: Keep your eyes and ears open and ditch the distractions like texting, talking on the cell phone, or loud music. Ask others in the car to help you drive safely by navigating and looking for people walking, biking, and rolling.

Walking and rolling tips

• Cross with caution and cross at corners: Don't assume the coast is clear just because you're using the crosswalk and the WALK sign is on. Continue to watch for traffic as you cross - especially for turning vehicles.
• Be clear to drivers: If you wish to cross, be sure to place a hand, leg, cane, or wheel out to show intent to cross and make eye contact with drivers. If you're not sure the driver sees you, let them go first.
• Be visible: Wear bright clothing (even white clothing may not be visible at night). Add reflective material or blinking lights to your jacket or backpack or carry a flashlight at night. Be extra careful when walking at dawn or dusk.
• Watch for people driving entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
• When walking, face oncoming traffic and use sidewalks when they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• When possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where people driving expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, find a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to safely cross and continue watching for traffic as you cross.

The person driving a motor vehicle is responsible for the safety of those around them, regardless whether a person walking or biking is lighted and using the crosswalk. The City urges road users to treat each other with respect and to look out for one another during the darker months. And remember, every intersection is a crosswalk in Oregon--regardless whether it is marked--and pedestrians have the right of way.

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