Staying safe while walking

Be More Cautious!

Prdestrians see walking is a great way to stay active and get around, but it’s important to remember that pedestrians are vulnerable on the streets. 

• In 2022, 7,508 pedestrians “were killed in traffic accidents” in the United States. “Pedestrian deaths” since 1981 was a 1% increase from 2021, when 7,443 pedestrians “were killed.” This number reflects highest number of pedestrian deaths since 1981. 
• Pedestrian deaths have increased 77% since 2010, while all other traffic-related deaths have increased 25%

The Holidays are a great time to practice, ensuring your safety while walking, here are ten essential safety guidelines for pedestrians.

Be Visible

One of the most important things you can do as a pedestrian is to make yourself visible to drivers. 

Wearing bright or reflective clothing, especially when walking at night or in low light conditions. 

You can also carry a flashlight or wear a reflective vest to increase visibility.

Use Crosswalks

Crosswalks keep pedestrians safe while crossing the street.

Always use designated crosswalks when available and wait for the walk signal before crossing. If marked and protected crosswalks aren’t available, cross at a well-lit (high-visibility) area and look both ways before crossing.

Avoid Distractions

It’s important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings while walking. 

Avoid “distraction activities” like using your phone or listening to music at a high volume, as these distractions can prevent you from hearing or seeing potential hazards.

Walk Facing Traffic

When walking on the side of the road, always walk facing oncoming traffic, allowing drivers to see you and react to any potential dangers, such as a car swerving onto the sidewalk.

Make Eye Contact

Making eye contact with drivers when crossing the street can help prevent accidents. 

“Eye contact” is a form of nonverbal communication that can help pedestrians assess whether drivers and be “aware of their presence.”

• Signal to drivers that the pedestrian intends to cross
• Enhance the perception of a person’s status and dominance
• Be seen as an implicit order to stop
• Trigger a desire in drivers to make a good impression on the pedestrian by stopping
• Follow Traffic Signals

Pedestrians should follow traffic signals because they help communicate potential risk areas for drivers and pedestrian’s: Pedestrian-signals provide types of traffic signal indications exclusively intended for controlling pedestrian traffic.

Stay on the Sidewalk

Walking against traffic substantially improves pedestrian safety. 

Some researchers commented: “Pedestrians walking against traffic have a 77% lower risk of being struck and injured by a car.”

A smooth and stable surface alongside the road is also the best area on the roadway to walk.

Be Cautious at Intersections

Intersections can be dangerous for pedestrians, as drivers may be focused on making turns and not see you crossing.

Drivers may not see pedestrians crossing because of: 

• Poor visibility
• Distracted drivers
• Congestion
• Signage
• Difficulty perceiving other road-users
• Focusing on making turns

Other reasons why intersections are dangerous for pedestrians include: 

• Multiple modes of transport converging from various directions
• Reduced visibility and response time
• Obstructed views or lack of proper lighting
• Congestion
• Signage

Pedestrians can stay safe by: 

• Crossing the street at marked crosswalks or intersections
• Following the rules of the road and obeying signs and signals
• Walking on sidewalks whenever they are available
• If there is no sidewalk, walking facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible

Always look both ways before crossing and be aware of turning vehicles.

• Wear Appropriate Footwear
• Wearing proper footwear can help prevent accidents while walking. 
• Avoid wearing high heels or flip flops, that make walking difficult and increase your risk of falling.

Teach Children About Walking Safety

Choose the safest route to school with the least amount of crossings. Practice what each street sign means on the route to school. Observe what it is like to cross at the eye level of your child.

Walk where there is good visibility for your child to see traffic and to be sure the drivers can see your child. Hold an adult’s hand and Look both ways. Here are some tips for teaching children about pedestrian safety: 

• Children should always hold an adult’s hand when crossing the street or walking near moving vehicles.
• Children should look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
• Children should always walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Children should make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
• Watch for cars
• Children should watch, wait, and listen for passing cars. They should watch out for cars that are turning or backing up.
• Children should not run or dart-out into the street or cross between parked cars.
• Practice
• Children should receive repeated practice at judging moving traffic and selecting safe crossing gaps.
• Children under ten years’ old should always cross the street with an adult. Children need active adult supervision until the age of 11-12 years. 

By following these essential safety guidelines for pedestrians, you can protect yourself while walking and reduce your risk of being involved in a traffic accident.

Remember, always stay alert and aware of your surroundings, and to follow traffic laws and signals. Happy Travels.