image courtesy of seefloridago.org

Did you know that 83% of pedestrian fatalities happen after dark?

According to crash data from 2010-2014, this statistic is true for Pinellas and Hillsborough counties combined. Low visibility makes it difficult for motorists to see pedestrians and for pedestrians to be seen at night. Collaborators at USF’s Center for Urban Transportation Research developed a free application available to Android users. The WalkBright app has several features designed to encourage people to walk safely after dark.

The app uses the camera flash and multi-colored on-screen flashers to increase visibility. The app also urges us to pay attention to our surroundings; instead of playing with our phones while walking, we can use them to make ourselves visible to others. The app also displays important safety tips that remind us to use sidewalks, or to walk against traffic when sidewalks are not available.

Remember, in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties combined, 83% of pedestrian fatalities happen after dark. Click here to download the WalkBright app for Android today. Then, click here to take the WalkWise pledge; promise to be safe and remind the people you love to do the same, especially at night.