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Give 'em a brake
Good Monday afternoon, folks! We're heading full steam into Fourth of July festivities (What? Already?!), and on top of standard caution with fireworks, I'd like to offer a friendly public service announcement concerning traffic.
Namely, situational awareness. It's critical, whether you're behind the wheel, astride two wheels, or on your own two feet.
In 2024, 165 motorcyclists died in Colorado crashes, and 134 bicyclists and pedestrians were killed. The latter statistic prompted the Colorado State Patrol to issue a "wake-up call" (here) There have been 245 fatalities involving motor vehicles so far this year, the Colorado Department of Transportation also reports.
I'm bringing it up, because this holiday weekend, when fireworks, concerts, parades and other fun is on your mind, the roads on which you travel should be, too. And also: every weekend. Every day.
I'd especially like to remind local drivers that when a pedestrian is a crosswalk with the walk signal, it means you stop. That didn't happen when I was walking across Townsend yesterday, in the crosswalk, on the signal. A truck turned in front of me - fine, fine; the driver didn't come close. The person behind him was another story. This driver missed me by a foot (in my estimation). I assume the driver genuinely did not see me — and ultimately, it's OK, because we've all been there, and no one was hurt. I'm not trying to light anyone up, here. Just taking it as a reminder to be safe, and to ask others to be more attentive.
As the state statistics show, it only takes a second's inattention to alter — or even end — a life.
— Katharhynn, from the Newsroom
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