With the warmer weather, comes a reminder to be extra alert while driving.
Seems like a no-brainer, but with an average of 12 bicyclists killed each year and 54 pedestrian deaths in Wisconsin, the state Department of Transportation feels it's important to reiterate attentive driving … and don't be annoyed with each other.
"Motorists need to realize that a bicycle is a vehicle and does have that right to the road and a bicyclist should be riding as far to the right as practicable. And a motorist needs to respect those rights. As well as a bicyclist needs to respect the motorist's rights and make sure that they're sharing the road in the best way possible."
Larry Corsi, Bureau of Transportation Safety , bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, says after a long cold snowy season, motorists will be seeing a lot more bicyclists, pedestrians, dog-walkers, and even little kids playing near the streets. Corsi says drivers need to be aware of bike lanes, bike paths , cross walks, and intersections and watch their speed and check their blind spots. Regardless of who has the "Right-of-Way," nobody wins when someone gets killed.
"Yeah, everybody needs to pay attention. Bicyclists and pedestrians need to make sure that motorists see them. Try to make eye contact if you can. Make sure the motorist is aware of you. A lot of the times the motorist is in a hurry to get someplace or doesn't see you because of the angle or not looking for a pedestrian or bicyclist but looking for other motor vehicles."
Corsi says there have already been 16 pedestrian fatalities so far this year and one bicyclist was killed.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:30 MP3)
