Pedestrian fatalities remain an ongoing concern in communities all across the country. Lexington has seen a significant number of pedestrian-vehicle incidents in recent years. Jeremiah Davis is a lieutenant in the Lexington Police Department. He heads the traffic section. For drivers, Davis says "always be attentive. "
“Focus less on the things inside your vehicle and more on the things outside of your vehicle. If someone is standing on that corner and they are looking and you can make eye contact with them to see if they are going to step out or if they’re standing there waiting to cross the other way and just looking across the street,” said Davis.
Where there is a crosswalk and the walk sign is displayed, all vehicles must yield to pedestrians. But, Davis said out on rural roadways where there are no crosswalks, the right of way always goes to vehicles. The police officer said this can come into play daily with residents crossing a busy rural road to get their mail.
Davis said if such a collision occurs, it’s never a good situation. He worries about what may be in-attentive walkers or runners.
“I see a lot of folks that are out exercising, walking, running..out for an afternoon stroll who have earbuds in. And, I always wonder if they’re turned up to a point where they can’t hear the vehicles around them,” said Davis.
Davis noted impairment, whether that be the driver or the pedestrian, is always a concern. The Lexington police officer added paying attention to signage is important for the walker, runner, and vehicle operator.
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