Our View: With so many out of doors, drive safely

Summertime means more people are out and about, and we are urging drivers to be extra careful around town, as pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers are enjoying the summer weather too.

In a time of Covid-19 pandemic, the number of people out in the fresh air has only increased since this spring.

You’ve probably noticed the number of dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian crosswalks has increased in our area over the past few years. Cloquet, for example, has new bike lanes and bump-outs throughout downtown. And Esko’s “Safe Routes to Schools” trails have become popular with pedestrians, bicyclists, and skateboarders of all ages.

This means there’s a higher risk of injury, with so many people out on the roads. And while dedicating lanes makes the roads safer, it also increases the volume of people using them. Drivers may not see a kid crossing the street, or notice a bicycle on the right when turning.

AAA has some suggestions for summer drivers that we endorse, as well:

-Know your vehicle’s blindspot. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. Turn your head and use your blinkers.

- Scan around parked cars for children playing. They can dart out with little warning.

-Be aware around playgrounds, schools, parks, and other areas where children congregate.

-Make eye contact with children at intersections. It will help you figure out what they are going to do next.

Children, especially, do not always pay attention when on public streets and roads. We owe it to them to drive carefully, and to stay aware.

There’s an old saying that pedestrians always have the right of way, but there’s no value in trying to prove it. If everyone is diligent, we’ll all be safer.