Deadliest Days Coming—Light the Way for Safety –Be Road Safety Aware

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National Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month

The Maglite brand partners up with the Pedestrian Safety Institute (PSI) to support traffic and pedestrian safety during the deadliest month of the year, July. According to the PSI, July has the highest rate of traffic-related fatalities. The days surrounding July 4th are particularly dangerous and are routinely referred to as the deadliest driving days of the year.

Drivers in the United States struck and killed 3,434 people in the first half of 2022 – up 5%, or 168 more deaths, from the same period the year before, according to analysis from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

Darkness and low visibility play a significant role in pedestrian deaths. In fact, more than 70 percent of fatalities happen in low-light conditions, particularly at night. In addition to the Pedestrian Safety Institute, Maglite is proud to have the American Paramedic Association, Citizens Behind the Badge, the U.S. Deputy Sheriffs Association, the lead economist of the Drucker School, Jay Prag, America’s Criminologist Dr. Currie Myers, and legal scholar John Tulac joining in this mission to illuminate the dangers facing pedestrians and solutions.

National Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month was created by the Pedestrian Safety Institute with the goal of educating and urging drivers to use caution while driving during this time of year.

“There are simple ways to reduce the number of deaths due to pedestrian traffic accidents – carry a bright flashlight, wear reflective clothing and be cautious, especially around fast-moving traffic,” said Tony Maglica, founder and CEO of Mag Instrument, Inc., manufacturer of the Maglite® Flashlight.

 

FOR PEDESTRIANS

Just like Mom and Dad always said, look both ways before crossing the street.
Do not text and walk or wear headphones when nearby traffic.
Walk on a sidewalk or path when one is available. If no sidewalk or path is available, walk on the shoulder, facing traffic, as far away from the traffic lane as you can get. Never assume a driver sees you; try to make eye contact.
Drivers don’t see as well at night so if you must walk along a roadway or exit your vehicle due to a breakdown or accident, wear reflective materials or use a flashlight, ideally with a traffic/safety wand, to alert other drivers to your presence.

FOR DRIVERS

  • Move to Safety – Never get out of the vehicle to make a repair or examine damage on a busy highway. Get the vehicle to a safe, out-of-the-way spot, and then get out of the car if at all possible. And if a dire emergency forces you to get out of your car on a highway (e.g., if the car is on fire), do not stand at the side of the car nearest the traffic; position yourself on the “shoulder” side of the vehicle, so that your vehicle is between you and the traffic.

  • Call for Help – If your car won’t run or if it’s so badly damaged that it can’t be driven, stay in the vehicle and use a cell phone to call for help. Don’t stand outside the vehicle unless absolutely forced to do so; and even then, don’t stand near the flow of traffic.

  • Be Prepared – Carry a strong flashlight with a traffic/safety wand, flares or reflective triangles in your vehicle so you can mark your location in the event of an emergency, even during the day. Remember to turn on your hazard lights so that other drivers have advanced warning of a problem ahead. To be safe, be seen.

Be sure to always carry roadside safety kits for emergencies. Your kit should include:

  • First aid kit

  • Flashlight with traffic/safety wand

  • Jumper cables

  • Canned instant tire inflator

  • Heavy-duty rope

  • Gloves and warm blanket for winter breakdowns

  • Water and non-perishable food items