West Seattle snow aftermath: Staying safe while on the run

| Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Out of the WSB inbox from Ann; she sent it this morning, but now that night has fallen, it remains relevant for some slushy-sidewalk spots around town:

Folks are exercising (running) in the streets around Admiral – which is fine, we understand that the sidewalks are still dicey – but folks really need to wear light colored clothing. A runner (wearing dark clothing also wearing earphones) just slipped on ice in CA Ave in front of my car, she corrected herself in time and luckily I was going slowly so I didn’t come near her. I’m not sure if there is way to remind people to be safe during the thaw as there is still ice in the streets, even major ones.

JH December 27, 2008 (9:57 pm)

I saw a couple of idiots tonight biking a block west of McDonalds (near WSHS) in dark clothing. Not only that, but one was towing a baby/toddler trailer! Duh. I didn’t even see any bike lights.

Jill Loblaw December 28, 2008 (9:28 am)

Please, please make yourself visible to traffic. Any type of reflective device be it clothing or flashing lights etc. will help cue drivers to your presence on the street. Many drivers are not totally focused on driving (i.e. talking on cell phones or whatever) and the darkness compounds their lack of ability to see others using the street to exercise/walk/bicycle and so forth on.

NoLongerUsingTheStreets December 28, 2008 (10:20 am)

Curiously, I can wear headphones and turn them down enough that I can hear quiet conversation. The same can hardly be said for some car stereos or cell phone babblers.

It’s also worth reminding drivers: it’s not a game, so applying more throttle and fishtailing around is not a good idea. Turn on your headlights (especially at night! I see a couple cars a night driving around with their eyes poked out)

The idiot moniker gets applied evenly at best.

Sorry, comment time is over.