Pedestrians have died because of people driving when they couldn’t see

Published on March 30, 2023

Mornings in Alameda can be a busy time with people headed off in all directions for work and school. We also see traffic crashes taking place in the morning, many of which could be avoided by following basic safety tips. Here’s how to avoid or deal with poor visibility while driving, especially when the sun is strong in the morning:

• Before driving, defrost your windshields and make sure they are clean, inside and out. Moisture and grime that look ok in your driveway can obscure vision in the sun.
• Wear sunglasses and use the car’s sun visor as needed.
• Reduce your speed, especially approaching intersections.
• Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.
• Adjust travel plans (time or route) to avoid sun glare.
• If you really can’t see, safely pull over until you can. It’s not worth the risk.

Other safety tips for drivers include keeping your speed low, watching for pedestrians and bicyclists, driving sober, and choosing a smaller car when possible. Safety tips for all modes of travel include taking care when turning, staying focused and alert, staying visible, and being predictable.

Learn more at our Traffic Safety Open House this Monday, April 3, from 5-7pm at the Alameda Free Library. Drop in anytime and hear what the City is doing to improve safety, share your concerns, and get safety tips. The event is free, open to people of all ages, and will have a children’s coloring table, light snacks, and stickers and giveaways. Community members are invited to bring a flower to add to a memorial for lives lost to traffic violence. Read more at www.alamedavisionzero.org.