The following is a release from the city of Kenmore:

Spring is almost here! The sun is shining and more people are heading outdoors. With daylight savings time starting over the weekend, the hours of darkness have shifted. It’s now dark during morning hours, when many of us travel to work, school or other destinations. These darker conditions increase the risk for people driving, walking or biking around Kenmore. Please be aware of this change.

The spring and summer months have historically had higher levels of collisions between pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. The month of March, in particular, has proven to have a high number of collisions between pedestrians and vehicles. Help us change that and spring forward with care by adopting some Target Zero safety tips.

• Be on the lookout for the unexpected: It’s important for people driving to pay special attention to the path ahead and expect the unexpected. Pedestrians also need to assess the risks posed by vehicles and maintain situational awareness of their surroundings. If you are biking do not assume that people driving are aware of you. Drivers may suddenly turn onto driveways and side streets at any time without signaling.

• Don’t be a distracted driver: It’s especially important to keep your eyes on the road when it’s dark outside. Texting and talking on a hand held device while driving are banned in Washington. Both are primary offences and you can be pulled over solely for that reason.

• See and Be Seen: When walking along a roadway with no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic when possible and make eye contact with the driver. You can also improve your visibility while walking or biking by wearing brightly-colored or reflective clothing. Come by city hall to pick up a free flashing safety light.

• Stop, Look, and Listen: While walking down busy roadways, approaching intersections, and crossing streets, please stop what you are doing, turn down the volume, look where you are going, and listen for traffic before crossing.

We can all have an impact in creating a road environment where it is safe for people to walk and ride to their destinations. For more year-round safety tips visit www.kenmorewa.gov/targetzero.