Dedham Police: Only Cross Streets at Crosswalks, Use Signals

Police Chief Michael J. d’Entremont and the Dedham Police Department are issuing safety guidelines to drivers and pedestrians after two pedestrians were tragically killed crossing town streets over the past three months.

Last Friday, a woman was killed by a hit and run driver when crossing a street. The alleged driver has since been taken into custody. In late September, another woman was struck and killed crossing High Street on her way to 7 a.m. mass at St. Mary’s Church.

According to the CDC, 445 pedestrians are injured across the country every day. After these two recent pedestrian deaths, Dedham Police Department would like to remind pedestrians and drivers alike to be careful when on the roads.

“A single pedestrian death is one too many,” Chief d’Entremont said. “If we follow some basic guidelines, drivers and pedestrians alike, we can all work together to keep people safe on the roads and crossing the streets.”

Some pedestrian safety tips include:

• Only cross the street at crosswalks
• Always use the crosswalk signals
• Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible
• Wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight in the evening or during the late afternoon hours in the fall and winter
• When walking in the road, walk in the shoulder and always walk facing the traffic
• Put down electronic devices and always look both ways when crossing
• Take headphones out so you can hear what is around you
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to make sure they are aware you are there. Do not assume they will stop just because you are in a crosswalk.
• Try to avoid anything that prevents you from being seen by drivers such as large trees, parked cars, buses, etc
• Remember, as it can with driving, alcohol and drugs can impair your safety when walking.

Police also remind drivers of the following:

• If you can not see clearly in the evening or in a storm, slow down so that you can keep your eyes out for pedestrians
• If a vehicle is stopped in front of you, do not rush to pass. A pedestrian could be crossing.
• Pay close attention near schools and near neighborhoods as children could be playing outside
• Stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk

The Dedham Police Department will also be aggressively enforcing the traffic laws. Motorists who fail to yield to pedestrians will be stopped and cited.

Image via Shutterstock.