The snow in the Northland is melting fast and before you know it, a variety of spring and summer traffic will appear. The Cook County News-Herald reminds people of all ages that safety is a shared responsibility for all road users—drivers and pedestrians. We offer the following tips to improve road safety for everyone.
Walkers
The benefits of walking are numerous, but it is important to also be safe and be seen. Walkers should do all they can to make themselves visible to drivers. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center recommends that walkers wear bright/ light colored clothing and reflective materials. If walking at night, carry a flashlight.
Walk on sidewalks when you can, however sidewalks are not all that common in Cook County, so when walking along the road, walk facing traffic.
When attempting to cross the road, stand clear of hedges, parked cars or other obstacles before crossing roadways so drivers can see you. Don’t assume vehicles will stop— make eye contact with the driver; don’t just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone or otherwise distracted, they may not be paying enough attention to drive safely.
Cyclists
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds cyclists that a bicycle is not just a bicycle; it is a vehicle, one that has to obey all the laws of the road.
The DPS reminds riders to ride on the right side of the road and to obey traffic signs. DPS reports that the most common violation in biking is no different than driving— failure to stop for a stop sign. When you approach a stop sign, you must come to a complete stop, which the DPS defines as a “total cease of movement.” In biking, that means you are to come to a complete stop by placing one of your feet or both feet on the ground and stopping.
If you are riding on one of the area’s bike trails, you need to remember that pedestrians may also be there. Show courtesy, when approaching a pedestrian, say, “pass right,” and pass on the right side of the path. If you have a bell or horn, activate it far enough back from the pedestrian so that you don’t frighten them.
Also keep an eye out for driveways that may cross the bike path. Here you may have a car backing up or pulling in, so slow down as you approach a driveway and look before you cross.
It is legal to ride two abreast, but it is much better to ride staggered. This allows your partner some room to move in case of an emergency or in avoiding an object in the roadway.
And of course, one of the most important thing cyclists can do to be safe is to wear a helmet. Just like a safety belt and air bags, helmets save lives.
More information about proper helmet fit, as well as how to determine the proper size bike for a child, information on hand signals, and more can be found at the DPS website: www.dps.state.mn.us/ patrol/safety/bikesafety/index.htm
The folks at the local bike shop— Superior North Outdoor Center— are also great resources for safety information, as well as for great ideas on where to ride.
AT Vers
In May of 2009, the Cook County commissioners passed an ordinance allowing all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to ride on the right shoulder of the county’s gravel roads. In May of 2010, the ordinance was expanded to include most of the paved roads in the county as well.
The ordinance follows MN State Statutes regulating ATV usage on county roads, which requires ATVers, like all other motor vehicle operators traveling on a roadway, to have insurance. State statute allows only licensed drivers to operate in the roadway.
The Cook County ordinance requires one safety feature in addition to the state regulations—a rear view mirror. It is not just the law; it is a very good idea. Riders should be aware of approaching vehicles and ensure that they stay as far to the right as possible.
Helmets are not required for drivers over 18 years of age, however, the use of helmets is strongly recommended by ATV manufacturers and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers. Just like a safety belt and air bags, helmets save lives.
Anyone born after July 1, 1987 is required to complete DNR ATV Safety before operating an ATV on area trails. Safety training is also a lifesaver. MN DNR Certified ATV Safety Instructor Dick Parker, an ATV Club member, encourages parents to have their kids take this course. “Statistics show that 47% of all persons involved in ATV accidents are in their teens, 10-19 years old. The major cause of accidents is rollovers and hitting fixed objects. Speed is frequently the cause,” said Parker. “That’s why it is so important to catch kids when they are young to teach them about safe and ethical riding.”
The next ATV Safety Course in Cook County is scheduled for Wednesday, May 18 with field-testing on Saturday, May 21. For information or to sign up for the class, contact Cook County Community Education at (218) 387-2000. The fee is $15 and the Cook County ATV Club offers scholarships for families who may need assistance.
Adults are strongly encouraged to complete ATV Safety, which can be done with a self-study CD available from the MN DNR by calling tollfree to (888) 646-6367. More information is available at www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/vehicle/atv/ index.html.
Cars and trucks
Motorists need to be aware of all of the above, as well as tractors, backhoes, logging trucks, RVs, motorcyclists, skateboarders, rollerbladers, and even Segway operators. And of course watch out for the wildlife that also travel our roads.
Pay attention while using the roadway so everyone in the Northland has a happy—and safe— spring and summer.
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