Three teenagers landed in the hospital on Halloween night after being struck by vehicles on dark Utah roads. Two teenage girls were hit by a van as they were crossing a pitch black residential street in West Jordan. A 13-year-old boy was hit by a car as he walked along the side of a street in Uintah. None of the injuries were life-threatening and all three individuals were expected to fully recover. Investigators believe poor visibility was the major contributing factor in both crashes. These recent incidents are stark reminders that walking at night can be dangerous.

Youngest Pedestrians Most At Risk

Statistics from the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) show that 678 pedestrians were injured after being hit by motor vehicles in 2009. 53 percent of those victims were under 25 years old - and slightly more than 20 percent were between the ages of 5 and 14.

Even more disturbing, DPS reports that most pedestrians - 55 percent - are either walking in a marked crosswalk, on the shoulder of a road or on a sidewalk when they're hit by a vehicle.

It's clear that pedestrians and drivers both need to take extra precautions at night.

Walk This Way for Safety

Making sure drivers can see you is the best thing to do when walking at night. Wear clothing that's light or brightly colored or that's made of reflective material. Use a flashlight when necessary. Only cross the street at well-lit intersections and never between, shrubbery, parked cars or other obstacles. Safety experts also suggest:

  • Always walking on a sidewalk when possible
  • Walking on the side of the street facing traffic if there is no sidewalk
  • Making eye contact with drivers, especially before crossing the street
  • Looking left, right and left again before crossing, even if the pedestrian signal says "Walk"
  • Not wearing headphones, talking on a cell phone or texting when crossing

Tips for Drivers

  • Follow the speed limit and don't drive aggressively
  • Stop completely at stop signs and red lights
  • Don't drive after consuming medication, drugs or alcohol
  • Stay off your cell phone
  • Always look ahead for pedestrians, especially when approaching crosswalks and intersections
  • Keep your headlights on and keep your windshield clean
  • Drive extra cautiously near children and older pedestrians who might not hear or see you

Source: 3 Utah trick or treaters hit in separate accidents with cars