As we usher in the fall and winter months, the shorter days bring with them an additional danger on the road.

It will be more challenging to see pedestrians as days get shorter with earlier sunsets. Even more so now, it’s important to remind drivers and pedestrians to stay alert and watch out for each other – especially when it’s dark.

Pedestrian deaths in Tyler, which have increased over the last four years, and surrounding cities should be a red flag warning to motorists and residents who frequently walk on our city’s streets.

Just in the last few weeks, a woman riding a motorized scooter was hit by a vehicle before sunrise in Longview. Less than two weeks earlier, Longview police said a man on foot was struck by an SUV — also before sunrise. The man was walking southbound in the outside line of the road “and failed to yield the right of way to the vehicle and they collided,” police said.

A horrifying detail is the driver of the SUV “thought he had struck an animal,” police said, and he drove another few blocks to a well-lit parking lot before stopping to check.

“Once in the parking lot, the driver discovered that (the victim) was on top of his SUV,” police said.

The recent tragedies mirror an unfortunate trend. Pedestrian traffic deaths in the state increased by 15% in 2021, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

October happens to be National Pedestrian Safety Month, and TxDOT is emphasizing the importance of drivers and pedestrians staying alert.

Darkness can make driving more challenging and walking more perilous.

“The fall season means not only a shift to cooler temperatures but also fewer hours of daylight, and visibility becomes an issue,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “It’s important for motorists to pay attention and look out for people walking, and for pedestrians to make sure they take steps to be seen.”

Andrew Erbaugh, public information officer for the Tyler Police Department, previously told the Tyler Morning Telegraph that one of the things the department has done to prevent pedestrian fatalities is to educate citizens and promote the use of crosswalks.

“Instead of trying to cross a busy highway in the middle of the night or during rush hour traffic, we recommend residents to please use intersections and crosswalks that will keep them safe,” Erbaugh said. “If you cross a street where there’s no intersection, you don’t have the right of way and that takes the safety out of your hands.”

Some other tips include obeying signs and signals; using sidewalks and if unavailable, walking facing traffic as far away from cars as possible. Be on the lookout for vehicles at your left and right, and always watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing out of parking spots.

Pedestrians are also encouraged to wear bright clothing.

In addition, TxDOT encourages drivers to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks; yield the right of way to pedestrians when turning; be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles; pay attention and put away phones; and to follow the posted speed limit and drive based on road conditions.

The key for motorists and pedestrians is diligent caution, especially when visibility is low.

Road safety is a two-way street that requires participation from both sides.