Safety Tips for Walkers

How Walkable is Your Neighborhood?

Unfortunately, accidents happen and the statistics for pedestrian fatalities are high: 6,516 pedestrians were killed in 2020, with another estimated 55,000 injured nationwide. Whether you are out for a neighborhood stroll, or navigating a crowded city street, it is a good idea to remain alert of your surroundings and be watchful for traffic.

Educating yourself to the rules of the road is key to protecting yourself from a pedestrian-related accident. There are many things that both pedestrians and drivers should do to ensure safe experiences while sharing the roadways.

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by adhering to this set of safety tips that were published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for pedestrians and drivers.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

1. Be sure to adhere to all rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
2. Use sidewalks whenever they are available.
3. Walk facing traffic and stay as far from traffic as possible.
4. Be alert to your surroundings. Electronic devices can take your eyes, ears and brain off the road.
5. Always use crosswalks or roadway intersections when crossing streets. Look for cars in all directions.
6. Allow ample time to cross safely; watching for oncoming vehicles as you cross.
7. Don’t take for granted that a driver sees you. It is best to wait until all traffic is clear.
8. Make sure you are visible to drivers. Wear bright clothing and reflective materials or use a flashlight.
9. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
10. Don’t drink alcohol or drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and can affect your judgment on distances.

Driving Safety Tips

1. Be on the lookout for pedestrians at all times. 
2. Use extra caution when driving at night or in bad weather when it may be harder to see pedestrians.
3. Be extra careful around crosswalks; slow down and be prepared to stop.
4. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. You may not be able to see pedestrians that are crossing.
5. Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Be mindful that some over the counter and prescription medications can cause drowsiness, inhibit awareness and judgement, and impair your ability to drive safely.
6. Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
7. Remember that small children are very active and can be impulsive so take extra care and adhere to speed limits when driving through busy neighborhoods or school zone areas.
8. Be extra cautious when backing up.
9. Limit distractions while driving; talking to passengers, cell phone use, eating, etc. can take your attention away from the task of driving.

Talk to your children about these pedestrian safety habits and reinforce these habits. If you have been injured due to the negligence of another person in a pedestrian-related traffic crash, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys of Tobias & Comer Law, LLC.