News release from Fort Wayne Community Schools:
FWCS & FWPD ask drivers to watch out for pedestrians
Fort Wayne Community Schools and the Fort Wayne Police Department are asking motorists to take care and be observant of pedestrians crossing the street. In recent weeks, there have been several accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles. Many of the accidents involved school-age children.
Drivers should be mindful of children walking to and from school and bus stops in the morning and afternoon. The number of students on the streets and sidewalks is particularly high between 6 and 9 a.m. and 2:30 and 5 p.m. In the morning, students are often walking in the dark, and some may not arrive home until after dark if they participate in after school activities.
Parents should also remind their children to be safe and watch for vehicles as the cross the street, even at controlled intersections and crosswalks.
Pedestrians should:
• Cross at a corner when possible and make eye contact with drivers before crossing into their path.
• Watch for cars turning or backing up.
• Look left and right before crossing and continue to look while crossing.
• Walk on sidewalks or paths. If no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Wear light-colored clothing or jackets with reflective material or carry a flashlight or other reflective device.Drivers should:
• Watch for pedestrians at all time, particularly at intersections and in crosswalks.
• Give pedestrians the right of way.
• Slow down and be alert in residential areas and near schools.
• Reduce distractions inside the car, including cell phones, and focus on the road and surroundings.
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