Practice traffic safety this spring

By RANDY RICHMAN
The April showers will bring May flowers, but don’t let their beauty distract you from your driving.
With everyone making the most of the warmer weather, it’s a must that we remain aware of the increased motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic on and around our roadways. The U.S. Department of Transportation reported 37,133 lives lost on U.S. roads in 2017, a 2-percent decrease from the previous year. Those numbers include pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and distraction-related deaths, such as texting and use of a device while driving.
Be sure to practice these safety tips and share the roads during the warm weather:
Be alert and aware of your environment when driving. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted by your phone, radio, passengers or any other distractions.
Before riding a motorcycle in traffic, practice riding in a controlled environment, such as an empty parking lot, until you feel comfortable controlling your bike.
When riding any motorized or non-motorized bike or vehicle, be sure to wear the proper safety gear. Helmets, eye protection, protective footwear, pads and clothing to protect your skin, and gloves for grip, will best protect you when riding.
Wear brightly colored clothing, so you’re easily spotted by motorists.
Ride responsibly, follow all traffic laws, proceed cautiously at intersections, and ride with your headlight on, day or night.
Bicyclists are to ride with traffic, while pedestrians are to walk against traffic, so they can see any oncoming hazards.
If you must walk at night, wear bright clothing, and carry a lit flashlight to make yourself more visible.
At the end of the day, we all want to go home safe and sound. So, stay alert, be aware and share the roadways. It’s the best route to summer fun!
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Randy Richman is a captain in the Brookfield Township Volunteer Fire Department, a part-time Brookfield firefighter and paramedic, and a firefighting instructor.