During the past several weeks, the High Desert has experienced a drastic increase in pedestrian deaths.
The Apple Valley Police Department offers the following tips for reducing the risk of pedestrian-related accidents. Most importantly, the department urges everyone to stay off their phones when behind the wheel or walking.
Pedestrians
• Be predictable. Use crosswalks.
• Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.
• Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. No vehicle can stop instantly. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
• Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.
• Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.
Drivers
• Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
• Never drive impaired.