October is Pedestrian Safety Month: Dress to Be Seen

October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Prince William County Police Department joins the state Department of Motor Vehicles and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration in reminding pedestrians and drivers to respect each other to stay safe on the roads.

Fall and winter are the seasons when pedestrians – as well as bicyclists and pets – are most at risk of vehicle collisions because the sun sets earlier in the evening while more drivers are still on the roads. There is also an increased chance that inclement weather – rain and fog – will occur and further make it difficult for pedestrians to be seen by drivers.

Items that help drivers see pedestrians, bicyclists and pets include, but are not limited to:

• Reflective clothing and shoes or light-colored clothing
• Reflective accessories, such as spoke clips, wristbands and belts
• Reflective strips to attach to clothing, backpacks, etc.
• Bicycle light on the front and a red reflector or red light on the back of bikes
• Headlamps and clip-on lights
• Reflective dog leashes and collars

Dressing to be seen, along with observing other pedestrian safety laws and practices, will keep the roads safe for everyone.