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Pedestrian Safety

 

Be Seen Big Red!

  • Look left, right and left again before crossing the street, making eye contact with drivers of oncoming vehicles to make sure they see you.
  • Avoid alcohol and drug impairment when walking. 
  • Wear bright and/or reflective clothing, and use a flashlight at night.

 

graphic on person walking on a sidewalk

Stay on Sidewalks

Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far away from vehicles as possible.

Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.

 

 

graphic of person walking across a cross walk at night

Cross Carefully

Always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections—never mid-block. Before crossing, wait until vehicles come to a complete stop and make eye contact with drivers when possible.

Although drivers are required to yield to pedestrians, it’s not guaranteed that they will. Crossing mid-block makes you less visible and increases risk. Using a designated crosswalk gives you time to check for traffic and allows drivers time to see you and stop for your safety.

If no crosswalk is available and your view is blocked, move to a place where you can see oncoming traffic. 

 

Head Up, Phone Down

graphic of a "do not" symbol over a person walking across a crosswalk on their phone

Distracted walking incidents are on the rise, and everyone with a cell phone is at risk. We are losing focus on our surroundings and putting our safety at risk.

The solution: Stop using phones and earbuds while walking, and not just in crosswalks and intersections. Over half of distracted walking injuries occur in our own homes, proving that we need to stay aware of our surroundings indoors and out.

Pay attention: check for signs, signals, and the actions of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians around you.

Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots. 

When focused on a phone, your world shrinks to the few inches in front of you. When wearing headphones, you tune out the sounds around you. Crossing the street requires the opposite — zoom out to broaden your awareness and tune in to listen to your surroundings.