Reflective clothing, flashlights may reduce pedestrian deaths

QHow many pedestrian and bike deaths could be caused by victims wearing all black clothes who could not be seen? If people stopped wearing black or dark clothes, then fewer pedestrians might be killed. People with dark clothes at night are invisible. Maybe they should be required to wear a hat or vest that reflects like some sneakers do. Or maybe carry a flag or umbrella. — A. Goetze, Sunnyvale

AFlags can be used at pedestrian crossings on Lincoln Avenue in the Willow Glen area of San Jose. Pedestrian deaths nationwide have increased 46 percent from 2009 to 2016. Last year in San Jose, pedestrian and bicycling fatalities matched the number of homicides.

QI’ve been reading a lot recently about the rise in pedestrian and bike accidents and, based on my observations, I think the victims are quite often the cause of them. I was driving at night on Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Walnut Creek, and approaching a major crosswalk with a light that’s supposed to be pressed before the person crosses.

I always take a really good look, and it’s a good thing I do because there was a guy in a dark motorized wheelchair, wearing a black jacket and pants, right in the middle of the crosswalk and moving so slowly I could barely see him. — Judy Wobleski, Walnut Creek

AWhy the increase in pedestrian deaths? People drive more, and the average risk of death for a pedestrian reaches 10 percent at an impact speed of 23 mph, 25 percent at 32 mph, 50 percent at 42 mph and 75 percent at 50 mph.

Popular big and heavy SUVs are more dangerous to pedestrians. Drivers and pedestrians are distracted by electronic devices. Fatal pedestrian crashes occur most often between 6 p.m. and midnight, and more often on Saturdays.

Numerous safety groups recommend wearing bright clothing and carrying a flashlight. Please do.

Anything else?

QThen there are parking lots, where pedestrians forget that there are cars driving around. Duh! They walk right in front of them with eyes focused either straight forward or on their cellphones. The fact that they might be walking right into the path of a car never crosses their minds, and it’s done by all age groups.

Remind bikers and pedestrians that if their negligent behavior causes a car to run into them, they’re going to be the losers. This can be prevented by not wearing dark clothing when it’s dark and investing in a reflector or lights.

And before you step into the street or in a parking lot aisle, please look to see if a car is coming.

Thanks for letting me air my gripe and hopefully save some lives. — Judy Wobleski

AI hope your warning does just that.