ROTONDA, KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH COTABATO, PHILIPPINES – DECEMBER 18, 2015 Young Filipina identified as 21-year-old Sunshine Barrameda was walking along a road outside of town. She completely ignored all safety precautions – she was entirely unlit and had no reflective elements on her clothing. In such cases, a pedestrian is only visible to a car driver at the very last few feet, when avoiding a collision is virtually impossible. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened to Sunshine. She was hit by a fast-moving car and suffered severe head injuries incompatible with life. Her skull literally exploded from the impact.
Let her death serve as a reminder of the number one rule of pedestrian safety: be seen. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, don’t take any chances. Reflective vests are usually available at any gas station. In an emergency, even your phone’s flashlight can help make you visible. And if nothing else is possible, carefully watch for approaching cars and move as far off the road as you can whenever one is coming.
