Time for vigilance on highways and waterways

Just days before Memorial Day comes the news that a Rehoboth Beach man was struck and killed walking across the southbound lanes of Route 1 near Rehoboth Beach. Barely two days later, a man died after the boat he was in overturned on Rehoboth Bay.

Little information has been released about either tragedy, and in both cases, we will never know what happened from the point of view of the deceased.

It is not for anyone to blame the victims in these events, which are certain to leave their families grieving. These events also leave deep scars for others present at the time of these deaths, who may have had no way to prevent the tragedies.

To improve safety, the entrance to Rehoboth Beach has a flashing pedestrian signal. For it to work, it must be activated, and pedestrians must use the crosswalk.

Summer brings traffic with many drivers unfamiliar with the area. This is a time when drivers, cyclists and pedestrians must all take heightened care. Flashing lights and reflective clothing are always essential when walking or cycling on Route 1, but during the summer, these essentials are more urgent than ever.

Meanwhile, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control officials have released no details about the person who died following a boating incident.

Still, Rehoboth Bay is generally shallow, leading many to become complacent when it comes to water safety.

But weather can change swiftly. Boats do overturn. People may have health emergencies. Wearing a life jacket can make a critical difference in emergencies of all kinds. Just as buckling a seatbelt is routine in our cars, pulling on a life jacket must be routine before going out on the water.

Two deaths are two too many to kick off our summer season.

Safety requires constant vigilance. Only if we all ramp up our attention to safety can we ensure that these are not only the first deaths but also the last on Cape Region highways and waterways this year.