While this column usually deals with relations between consumers and sellers of goods and services, we occasionally discuss public safety. We’re all consumers of roads and sidewalks; the return of milder weather prompts us to look at ways we can keep ourselves and others safe.
This Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember those in the armed services who have sacrificed. Too often, increased traffic volumes drive up numbers of accidents, making the weekend memorable for other perhaps equally painful reasons.
We all need to remember — whether walking, bicycling or driving or riding in cars — our No. 1 concern should be safety. Here are some suggestions from the Federal Highway Administration:
1. It’s your responsibility to drive and walk safely; always be alert and attentive to motorists and pedestrians around you.
2. Never drink and drive. And don’t let friends drive drunk.
3. Always buckle up. The life you save could be your own.
4. Obey traffic signals and signs. They are there to keep you and others safe.
5. Make sure you have plenty of time to get to your destination so you don’t feel pressured to speed or disobey traffic signals.
6. Don’t give in to road rage. Your life and the lives of your passengers are more important than angrily reacting to an irresponsible driver.
7. Pedestrians always should wear light-colored or reflective clothing at night to be more visible to drivers.
8. Before you take a left turn at an intersection, make sure it is safe to do so. More than one-third of all deaths to vehicle occupants occur in side-impact crashes. Most of these happen at intersections.
9. Obey speed limits and drive carefully through intersections and work zones.
10. If you get sleepy, pull over at a rest area and take a nap before proceeding.
Bangor police have released tips specifically for pedestrians:
— Walk in groups whenever you can, especially late at night. There is always safety in numbers.
— Let a family member or friend know your destination and your estimated time of arrival or return.
— Stay in well-lit areas. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas and other shortcuts or secluded areas.
— Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. Walk close to the curb, avoiding doorways, bushes and other potential hiding places.
— If you have to walk in the street, walk facing traffic. A person walking with traffic can be followed, forced into a car and abducted more easily than a person walking against traffic.
— Walk confidently, directly and at a steady pace. Don’t stop to talk to strangers.
— Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement. Don’t burden yourself with too many packages or items.
— Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are wearing headphones, don’t turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear outside noises.
— Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
— Report any suspicious activity or person immediately by calling 911.
— Avoid carrying large sums of cash or displaying expensive jewelry in public.
— Keep your cell phone with you if you have one.
Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast CONTACT, Maine’s membership-funded, nonprofit consumer organization. Individual and business memberships are available at modest rates. For assistance with consumer-related issues, including consumer fraud and identity theft, or for information, write: Consumer Forum, P.O. Box 486, Brewer 04412, or go to http://necontact.wordpress.com.