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LMSA ROAD SAFETY SUGGESTIONS & GUIDELINES
The LMSA has drafted some important road safety guidelines to increase awareness. While we all love and have voted to preserve the seclusion and ambiance afforded us by the narrow tree lined drive on which we live, we should all be mindful of the safety issues it may create. The LMSA hopes that everyone will read and share these guidelines.
Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians share in the responsibility of keeping themselves and others safe on the road. Under the law, motorists have more responsibility and should never feel a sense of entitlement that they own the road. It is important to be extra vigilant and to “keep your head in the moment” whether you are driving, walking or cycling. Let us all make every effort to slow down and drive carefully.
LAKE MICHIGAN SHORE ASSOCIATION
- Do not drive, bike or walk distracted, unplug your earphones and put away your phone. Avoid the temptation to multitask either behind the wheel or while walking. Stay alert and watch the road carefully.
- Motorists should look out for pedestrians and cyclists at all times. Be especially mindful around Pier Cove and Westside County Park where you can expect to see more pedestrians, strollers, and children. Remember pedestrians and bicyclers (especially younger ones) are frequently not where they should be or where you expect them to be.
- Follow posted speed limits at all times. During inclement weather, dawn or dusk or in areas where there is leafy overhangs that limit your sight, slow down even more. This is especially true at night. Be on watch for deer and other wild life, they can appear suddenly.
- Cyclists and walkers should wear bright, light colored clothing and at night should carry a flashlight or have reflective materials on their bikes. Cyclists and pedestrians should make every effort to walk or cycle in single file, and to stay as far right as is reasonably safe. It is increasingly important that they are extra careful on hills and corners when they cannot see approaching traffic, knowing that motorists cannot see them.
- Motorists should allow for extra space when passing cyclists. Make sure you have at least 3-4 feet of space between your vehicle and a cyclist. Be extra cautious around child cyclists, expect the unexpected, slow down and give them as much room as you can. • Never drive, walk or cycle under the influence. Alcohol and drugs impair your reaction time, reflexes, decision-making skills and overall cognitive functions.
- Pedestrians often walk on the far side of the road facing traffic; this helps increase their visibility to drivers. However motorists cannot assume that all pedestrians will do this. Be prepared when coming around a corner or over a hill that there might be pedestrians or cyclists on your side of the road. SLOW DOWN and watch carefully for the unexpected.
- If you are in an accident with a pedestrian or cyclist follow the same procedure as you would any other accident. Pull over, call the police and make sure medical help is on the way if it is needed needed. Wait until the police arrive before leaving.
Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians share in the responsibility of keeping themselves and others safe on the road. Under the law, motorists have more responsibility and should never feel a sense of entitlement that they own the road. It is important to be extra vigilant and to “keep your head in the moment” whether you are driving, walking or cycling. Let us all make every effort to slow down and drive carefully.
LAKE MICHIGAN SHORE ASSOCIATION
