th in the country for pedestrian deaths? More than 60 pedestrian fatalities had been reported as of September 2018 for the year. While Federal agencies are working to provide support through better vehicle testing and headlight systems, as pedestrians and drivers, we must also take a proactive approach to safety and halt and reverse this terrible trend. Safety Tips for Pedestrians Children aged 5-9 are the most at risk for pedestrian accidents. Other high-risk situations, such as high speed roads, roads with no sidewalks, need to be handled with care. Here are some steps to take to reduce your chance of being hit by a car.
- Never run into the road. Always stop at the curb.
- Look both ways before crossing the street. Watch for distracted drivers and use caution before entering the road or crosswalk.
- Be alert and continue to watch for vehicles while crossing the road. Never assume you are safe until you have fully crossed.
- Cross at intersections, whether or not there is a cross walk there. Avoid crossing in the middle of street.
- If crossing to catch a bus, watch for traffic and the bus driver’s awareness. Walk 3-5 feet in front of the bus so the driver can see you cross in front.
- Never go behind a bus or bend down to pick something up in front of or under a bus as the driver is not likely to see you – even for a second.
- When walking at night and/or on roads without sidewalk, walk towards traffic so you are better seen. Consider carrying a light, and wearing bright or reflective clothing.
- Always check for turning or traffic entering a sidewalk from a parking lot or alley.
- Be alert around light rails and street cars. Follow the safety instructions and limit distractions that could put you in danger, such as looking at your phone while crossing tracks or the road.
- Always use your blinker to communicate your intentions with others on the road.
- Drive the speed limit. A pedestrian hit at 40mph has less than a 20% chance of survival.
- Don’t be a distracted driver. Keep your eyes and attention on the road.
- Show caution when you see pedestrians, especially if they are children or look impaired, confused, or unstable.
- Honk an alert if you feel it creates more awareness and safety in the situation.
- Always stop before the crosswalk or marked stop bar. Five feet before either communicates to the pedestrian they are safe to cross.
- Look left, right, and left again before pulling through a crosswalk when pedestrians are present.
- Always yield right of way to a pedestrian.
- Be sensitive of visually impaired pedestrians – don’t honk or give directions.
- Always expect children to be around stopped school buses and give them extra room for children to pass safely.
- It is against the law to pass a school bus that is stopped and has its red lights flashing.
- In school zones, slow your speed and do not pass other vehicles.
- Avoid rushing out of driveways, parking lots or alleyways. Assume there is a pedestrian crossing. Slow down and look before crossing the sidewalk to the road.
- Pedestrians have the right to walk on the road if no sidewalks exist. Use caution.
- When in doubt, yield to pedestrians. This includes in parking lots, on the road and in intersections and roundabouts, whether or not a crosswalk exists.
