As darkness arrives earlier, the Washington Health Trauma Center urges drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders to take precautions that help prevent crashes and serious injuries.
With clocks turned back Nov. 1, darkness now arrives earlier during the evening commute, creating added safety concerns for pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders and drivers. Reduced visibility, rain, fog and distracted driving can make everyday trips more hazardous, particularly at busy intersections and on shared roads.
At the Washington Health Trauma Center, motor vehicle collisions account for 17% of trauma activations, making them the second-leading cause after falls, according to Injury Prevention Coordinator Garrett Cordes. Micromobility incidents account for another 5%, while pedestrian-versus-vehicle collisions represent 3%, according to trauma center data.
“Pedestrian safety is something we all have a role in,” said Cordes. “ Whether we’re behind the wheel, walking, cycling, or on an e-scooter, the decisions we make can help prevent injuries. For drivers, that means slowing down, staying attentive, and respecting crosswalks. For pedestrians and those on micromobility devices, it means choosing safe places to cross, remaining visible, and staying aware of surrounding traffic.”
Staying Safe on Bikes and Scooters
As e-bikes, electric scooters and other micromobility devices become more common, riders face risks beyond those of people traveling on foot. Riders have limited physical protection in a collision with a vehicle, making visibility, protective gear and defensive riding especially important.
Cordes encourages riders and drivers to understand their responsibilities and share the road safely.
Washington Health has partnered with regional emergency medical services agencies, the county, and other trauma centers to coordinate injury prevention messaging and help families make informed decisions about e-bike and other micromobility safety.
Cordes recommends these practical steps to help micromobility riders reduce their risk of injury.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet. Helmets help reduce the risk of serious head injuries. Cordes says the trauma team has also seen facial fractures associated with e-bike crashes and recommends that riders consider full-face or motorcycle-style helmets.
- Consider additional protective gear. Knee and elbow pads can help protect riders in a fall or collision.
- Make yourself visible. Use working front and rear lights after dark and wear reflective or light-colored clothing.
- Follow traffic laws. Obey traffic signals and stop signs, travel in the direction of traffic where required, and use designated bike lanes when available.
- Ride defensively and stay alert. Slow down at intersections, watch for turning vehicles and road hazards, yield to pedestrians and avoid distractions such as phones and headphones.
- Adjust for conditions. Reduce speed in darkness, rain or fog, and take extra care on wet or slippery surfaces.
Washington Health reinforces these messages through community outreach. At its August Road to Wellness Health Fair, the trauma team distributed free helmets and shared bicycle safety information, including proper helmet fit. The team also participates in events such as Bike to Wherever Day to promote safe riding.
Community Education to Reduce Car Crashes
Washington Health brings the University of California, San Diego’s Transportation Research and Education for Driving Safety (TREDS) program to the community to promote safer driving. The program offers educational modules on distracted driving, pedestrian safety and strategies for older drivers.
Cordes also delivers injury prevention presentations to organizations throughout the Tri-City Area, including senior centers, schools and scouting groups.
For younger drivers, Washington Health partners with the California Highway Patrol on the Start Smart program. This free, two-hour traffic safety class is designed for newly licensed or soon-to-be-licensed drivers ages 15 to 19 and their parents or guardians, helping families understand the risks of driving and the importance of safe decision-making.
What to Do If You Witness a Collision
If you witness a serious pedestrian, bicycle or motor vehicle collision, knowing what to do can help injured people get care quickly while keeping you safe.
- Call 911. Give the dispatcher the location, describe what happened, and report any apparent injuries or immediate hazards.
- Protect your own safety. Stay out of traffic and do not put yourself in danger while trying to help.
- Follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Avoid moving an injured person unless there is an immediate danger, such as fire or oncoming traffic.
- Share what you witnessed. When emergency responders arrive, provide relevant details about the collision.
Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so avoid assuming that someone is uninjured simply because they are alert or able to move.
Cordes reminds community members that safer streets depend on everyone sharing the road responsibly. “A little patience and awareness from everyone can make our streets safer for the entire community.”
To request a safety presentation by Garrett Cordes, email him at garrett_cordes@washingtonhealth.com. Learn more about the Washington Health Trauma Center at WashingtonHealth.com/Trauma.