BROOKLAND, Ark.—With shorter daylight hours as fall sets in, the Brookland Police Department is urging residents to prioritize safety while walking, running, or riding after dark. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows that nearly 76% of pedestrian fatalities nationwide occurred in the dark in 2024.
Detective Amy Kary of the Brookland Police Department underlined the importance of basic precautions such as looking both ways before crossing streets, using designated crosswalks, and wearing bright or reflective clothing. These measures apply not only to pedestrians, but also to those on bicycles or motorized scooters.
Kary stressed that extra vigilance is critical at night due to reduced visibility on roadways. She urged pedestrians and cyclists to ensure drivers acknowledge them before crossing. "Walkers or people on bicycles shouldn’t assume that a vehicle sees them just because they can see its headlights. Eye contact with the driver is key before proceeding," Kary said.
Motorized scooters, also on the rise locally, present additional challenges. Kary reminded residents that state law requires bikes and scooters to have both headlights and brake lights visible to drivers.
She also cautioned parents to be aware of regulations surrounding e-scooter use. "Parents should know that [those under 16] are not supposed to be driving those on the roadway at all," Kary said, emphasizing the importance of visibility through proper lighting for these vehicles.
Brookland police encourage pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike to share the road responsibly and exercise patience to prevent accidents during the darker months ahead.