Pedestrian Visibility In Winter Weather

Pedestrians are difficult to see during darker days and increase winter weather safety by wearing bright, reflective clothing. Lighted vests, headlamps, or carrying a flashlight makes pedestrians more visible to drivers and others nearby. Increased visibility helps prevent accidents and keeps people safer along the roadway. Brightly colored clothing is more helpful in enhancing visibility when compared to dark or black clothing, even during daylight hours.

Vehicle Visibility

Before entering a roadway, be sure your headlights and other mandatory vehicle lights are working. During winter weather driving conditions with limited visibility, headlights and tail lights increase the likelihood of others seeing your vehicle. Keep your lights, windshield, windows, and mirrors clear of debris to maximize your visibility. Clean surfaces also help you see other drivers, pedestrians, and road hazards more clearly.

Consider Seasonal Factors

Weather hazards such as ice fog and heavy snow hinder visibility during winter months. It’s important to completely clear snow and ice from your vehicle before driving on a public roadway. Clearing your vehicle helps other drivers see you more clearly. It also prevents snow or ice from falling off your vehicle and creating a dangerous hazard for others on the road.

It’s important to increase your visibility, and whether others are visible to you, year-round, not just during winter weather. Summer presents the opposite concerns of winter weather. Extended daylight often decreases overall visibility during evening hours due to the sun’s position on the horizon. Additionally, there’s a potential for smoke pollution during summer months because of wildfires. Use your headlights during times of low visibility to increase the opportunity for others to see you, and for you to see others.

Reducing motor vehicle accidents, and injuries to Alaskans, is achievable through safer driving habits. If everyone on Alaska roads traveled carefully, maintained their vehicles, and continuously considered safety both for themselves and others, far less motor vehicle crashes and pedestrian injuries would occur during winter weather and all seasons.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your Alaska auto accident injury case. We are here to serve you.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image created using ChatGPT – Prompt: Vehicles and pedestrians traveling Alaska roads in winter weather