Nancy Taylor: Walking in street at night in dark clothes is not smart

I try to be a very conscientious driver. I believe in sharing the road. So I am constantly looking out for motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. In the last year the number of pedestrians hit or killed in Modesto has disturbed me. This evening, driving home across town, I was so disturbed by what I witnessed I felt the need to write this article.

Driving down Briggsmore, I saw a pedestrian walking in the middle of the bike lane, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants. Only my headlights catching a glimpse of him alerted me to his presence. When I got to Standiford, a pedestrian was illegally running across all four lanes, again wearing dark clothing. Other pedestrians were walking in dark neighborhoods, wearing dark clothing – but at least they were on sidewalks.

I walk almost daily, but I am aware that drivers cannot always see me. So I walk during daylight hours and wear clothing that makes me visible. I walk in areas designated for pedestrians and cross streets according to the law. As pedestrians we must take some responsibility and do better than what I witnessed tonight.

This story was originally published January 16, 2015 at 11:27 AM with the headline "Nancy Taylor: Walking in street at night in dark clothes is not smart."