Drivers and pedestrians both share the responsibility of keeping themselves safe on our roadways. While infrastructure improvements continue to be made allowing more people of all ages to walk safely and be connected to their communities, there are safety practices you need to know before heading outdoors.
Why Walk?
- Helps maintain your health and prevents various medical conditions
- Improves your mood
- Increases your connection with your community
- Better for the environment with fewer emissions
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the number of pedestrians struck and killed by motorists has reached its highest level in 40 years. [1]
Keeping yourself safe as a pedestrian is pretty simple – just follow these steps:
- Be visible – always wear light or reflective clothing and stay in well-lit areas, if possible.
- Whenever possible, keep to sidewalks or pathways and on the left side of the road facing traffic.
- Follow all traffic signals and look left, right and then left again before crossing – even at a crosswalk. Never assume a driver will stop for you.
- Put your phone away and focus on the walk. Distractions can cause you to not see and anticipate a driver’s actions.
- Avoid wearing headphones so you can hear what is happening around you and respond.
Best Practices for Drivers
- Stay Alert. Always look for pedestrians when operating a vehicle. Safety is a two-way street, and drivers should anticipate that a pedestrian may enter their path at any time.
- Follow posted speed limits, especially in areas of heavy pedestrian traffic.
- Avoid distractions – put down your phone. Even one second of taking your eyes off the road is enough time for a pedestrian to walk in front of your moving vehicle.
- Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and reduce speed when entering a crosswalk area.
- Do not pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk.
[1] https://www.ghsa.org/resources/news-releases/GHSA/Ped-Spotlight-Full-Report22
