Still Taking Those Brisk Runs and Walks? Be Aware of Your Surroundings

It doesn’t take a blizzard to make the roads hazardous.

Just a little bit of snow and wind can make stopping in a vehicle harder.

It can also make the road a dangerous place for people crossing the street.

The biggest risk to you if you’re out walking are the slick sidewalks and roads.

“Maybe they don’t see you or they’re not paying attention and they do step on their brakes,” said Deputy Chief Joe Anderson with the Fargo Police Department. “There’s a good chance that vehicle is going to lose control, slide or potentially cause an accident.”

You hold some responsibility in choosing when to cross the road, but those behind the wheel also need to try and be extra aware during this time of the year.

“People need to be cognizant of their speed,” reminded Anderson. “They need to be cognizant of other people on the roadway who are ahead of them, who are behind them.”

High snowbanks and low visibility in the winter can also make it hard for a driver to see a walker.

If you head outdoors, wear bright colors to stand out.

Police also say drivers should pay extra attention if they’re driving in a high traffic area such as downtown or near schools.

“NDSU…obviously there’s a lot of foot traffic,” he said. “The elementary schools…just because kids are walking to and from school.”

Keeping your car in good condition can also help.

“People need to make sure that their cars are winter worthy,” added Anderson. “Make sure that their defrosters are working, their windshield wipers are working. They need to clear the frost off their windshield.”

Even though conditions may be more hazardous, police say in the winter, they tend to see fewer people hit by cars compared to other times due to low foot traffic.

Although winter can be especially dangerous, Fargo Police say these are recommendations they hope you follow year round, not just during the winter.