Police urge roadside pedestrian caution after wrecks

Following several weekend car crashes, including a car vs. pedestrian accident in Firth on Saturday night, the Idaho State Police is warning pedestrians and motorists to use extra caution.

ISP trooper Pete Sibus said if motorists take their eyes off the road for a split second, they heighten their risk of missing wild animals or pedestrians in the road.

“You’ve really got to be aware of what’s going on around you,” he said.

He said the advice is for everyone. Drivers and pedestrians alike need to be especially aware when they come within a close distance of each other.

“Personally when I’m on the side of the road, working a crash, I don’t turn my back on traffic,” said Sibus.

Sibus knows the dangers all too well.

On June 5, his cruiser was struck by a driver who was sending a text message behind the wheel.

He said there aren’t a lot of truly safe ways to be close to traffic, but prevention is key.

If a pedestrian finds themself on the side of a busy road for whatever reason, they are always in a vulnerable situation. Our station vehicles have fluorescent vests inside to protect reporters covering roadside stories. Sibus said ISP uses the same vests for visibility.

He said the choice to wear one could be the difference between life and death.

“You need to be lit up or you need reflective materials to keep you safe so people can see you well before they come upon you,” said Sibus.

Sibus said those vests are usually pretty easy to find at most hardware stores.