Like many Bell Countians, I travel a rural road on my quest home in the evenings. I’m encouraged when I see my neighbors out in their yards, playing with their children, getting exercise and enjoying the breathtaking beauty of the land on which we all reside.

I am concerned, however, by the lack of caution I observe from pedestrians while I travel that rural roadway.

Just this week, well after dark, I passed a man walking on the right side of the road dressed in dark clothing. It was only luck that I didn’t run him over, as I only actually saw him in my rear-view mirror. On the very same trip, I passed a teenager walking, again on the right side of the road, again in dark clothing.

I’ve also witnessed mothers walking with small children and even pushing strollers.

This is so concerning, because, on Highway 217, like many highways in this area, there are certain spots where there’s just enough room for two cars to pass.

I say this not to discourage people from enjoying a walk, but to stress using common sense and caution!

High-visibility and reflective clothing should always be worn when walking or biking a rural roadway and I was taught to use the left side of the road, so that you’re facing traffic.

Last year, it became a federal law that news reporters covering stories on federal highways wear high-visibility safety apparel. The requirement is intended to prevent injury by ensuring that anyone, including media personnel, working near federal highways is conspicuously visible.

With Halloween fast-approaching, it’s a good time to teach pedestrian safety rules to children who anticipate trick-or-treating and it’s a good time for adults to remember what they were taught when they were kids.