Unfortunately, Fountain Hills has had its share of pedestrian fatalities on the streets this past year including one just two weeks ago. There have also been incidents involving injury to pedestrians.

Pedestrian incidents are one of the few areas of traffic-related deaths that continue to increase year to year. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, in 2016 there were 5,987 pedestrian fatalities nationwide, and that compares with 5,495 in 2015. On average, a pedestrian was killed in a traffic accident every 90 minutes. In 2016, children accounted for 245 of those deaths, or about 4 percent.

Arizona has reached the time of year when people are more likely to walk now that the searing heat of summer is past and there are more people and more drivers as winter visitors return. As such, it is the time of year for both drivers and pedestrians to be aware of what is going on around them on the streets and roadways, according to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Lt. Kristian Dever, deputy commander for MCSO District 7 based in Fountain Hills.

Dever can recite some basic safety tips starting with wear light-colored, more visible clothing.

“Reflective vests are even better for jogging or cycling,” he said.

Stay on the sidewalk where they exist. There are many locations in Fountain Hills where there are no sidewalks. Walk facing traffic if there is no sidewalk, and stay off the pavement as far as possible.

Never assume the driver can see you and never assume the driver will obey traffic controls or rules of the road.

Stay in the crosswalk when crossing the street and, of course, look both ways before crossing.

A good rule for both pedestrians and drivers is to avoid distractions. Being on the phone or texting can be as dangerous when walking as it can be when driving.

Also, be cognizant of what the driver or pedestrian might have in their field of vision; are they facing the sun? Are there other distractions on or near the roadway?

When behind the wheel, pay close attention when passing pedestrians who might suddenly veer into traffic. Never assume a pedestrian will act in a safe manner.

Stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk; it is the law.

The National Highway Safety Administration website, nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety, has more information and a video to help.