From 2 to 12 October, the republican preventive campaign "Pedestrian!" is being held.

From October 2 to October 12, the republican preventive campaign "Pedestrian!" will be held.

Across the country, there has been an increase in the number of road traffic accidents, as well as pedestrians killed and injured in them, specifically during hours of darkness: the number of accidents has risen from 300 to 408, fatalities from 85 to 88, and injuries from 228 to 333 people. 77.9% (88 out of 113) of pedestrians killed in road traffic accidents sustained fatal injuries during hours of darkness. In the Vitebsk region, 83 road traffic accidents have occurred, in which 12 pedestrians were killed and 21 were injured.

Therefore, the upcoming period is characterised as the most dangerous for pedestrians. This must be understood not only by pedestrians but also by drivers. And here is why.

Poor visibility and less than ideal обзорность are exacerbated by rain and fog. In such moments, drivers should be wary of pedestrians, cyclists, stationary vehicles, or wild animals appearing in their path. The degree of visibility is enhanced by retroreflective elements, which pedestrians and cyclists should use to be visible during hours of darkness. In the low beam of headlights, the detection distance for a person with these elements on the road increases from 25-40 metres to 130-140 metres; when using high beam, it is three times greater – around 400 metres.

During precipitation, drivers should take into account the poor обзорность and remember pedestrians who, forgetting caution, dash across the road, seeking to quickly take shelter from the rain.

Until truly frosty weather sets in, cycling will remain popular. Equipping bicycles with the necessary lights, reflectors, and other elements becomes particularly relevant for the safety of the cyclist themselves.

Overall, it can be said that pedestrians must remember that they, like drivers, bear responsibility for adhering to traffic regulations. Moreover, they often pay with their health and lives. Parents should pay special attention to teaching children traffic rules and safe behaviour on the road.

Remember that road safety depends on adherence to traffic regulations!