We hear a lot about courtesy these days. Unfortunately, it seems common courtesy changes with the seasons. That’s especially true now that it’s finally getting warmer in the region and cabin fever has long past set in. Suddenly, the streets are teaming with pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic.

Common courtesy as well as our powers of observation often fly out the window. That can lead to some unfortunate outcomes. We have heard a lot recently about distracted driving, but what about pedestrians and bicyclists?

According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, nearly 200 pedestrians in Michigan died as the result of a collision with a vehicle, and nearly 1,500 pedestrians were injured in a recent year.

In fact, pedestrian deaths are up in recent years, according to the Journal of Injury Prevention. Michigan itself launched at least two high visibility safety campaigns for those who walk or bike on Michigan roadways in the last several years.

But the state can’t and shouldn’t do everything. That same JOIP study in 2020, noted that pedestrians who use smartphones to browse the internet are significantly more likely to be involved in an a crash than a person walking and talking on a phone.

That makes sense. After all, it’s common courtesy to watch where you are going.

So here’s wishing everyone a safe and wonderful summer.