Tips for transportation safety as daylight saving time ends

The Central Health and Safety Committee at Western Washington University shared the following resources to help individuals stay safe while adjusting to the light change with the end of daylight saving time. This time of year brings with it an increase of darkness around the time of rush hour. Below are tips and resources for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists to help everyone remain safe while traveling to and from campus.

Pedestrians

• Refer to the Personal Safety map or brochure for the best lit walkways across campus and locations of emergency telephones where you walk.
• Green Coats or Public Safety Assistants are available as safety escorts to your car or on-campus residence.  Please call (360) 650-3555 for more information. 
• Wear bright reflective clothing when walking at night.

Cyclists

• See & Be Seen as you ride your bike.  Please visit the Sustainable Transportation website for more information and valuable resources on bicycling. 
• In addition to wearing bright, reflective clothing, use active lighting sources so a motorist can easily spot you.

Motorists

• Be extra aware of pedestrians and cyclists.  Strategies include driving at slower speeds and minimizing distractions within the vehicle such as music volume.
• Keep windows clean and maintain good windshield wipers.
• Allow time for windows to defrost or de-ice before driving.