For Immediate Release

Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Dedham Police Remind Residents to Be Cautious When Driving, Crossing Streets After Vehicle Strikes Pedestrian

DEDHAM – Chief Michael d’Entremont reports that the Dedham Police Department responded to an incident last night where a vehicle struck a pedestrian, causing serious injuries. Police are urging residents to use caution when traveling for the holidays to prevent accidents and fatalities.

Around 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 23, police responded to Rustcraft Road, where a 45-year-old Westwood woman had been struck by a motor vehicle while she was crossing the street in a crosswalk. The woman was seriously injured and transported to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

The woman, however, was conscious upon arrival of first responders and her injuries are not believed to be life threatening. The operator of the vehicle was cited for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

To prevent similar incidents, Chief d’Entremont advises that the community use caution when driving, crossing streets and traversing parking lots.

“This is one of the busiest time of the year for traveling, and we know residents are excited to get home to celebrate the holidays,” Chief d’Entremont said. “However, please take your time getting to your destination, especially at night and if there is inclement weather. Both drivers and pedestrians should remember to remain alert of their surroundings at all times to ensure they’re safe and accidents do not occur.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds drivers to:

• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the
  crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
• Do not pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
• Be extra cautious when backing up – pedestrians can move into your path.

Additionally, NHTSA recommends, that as a pedestrian, when walking:

• Stay on sidewalks whenever they are available.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from cars as possible.
• Keep alert at all times. Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections whenever possible. This is where drivers expect pedestrians.
• If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch for traffic as you cross.
• Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach you to make sure you are seen.
• Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.