Pedestrian Safety
Shorter days, more night driving and winter weather all provide potential hazards for pedestrians. Please follow the tips below to keep everyone safe:
- Remain alert! Don't assume that cars are going to stop.
- Whenever possible, pedestrians should cross the street at a designated crosswalk. It is much safer to walk on a sidewalk, but if pedestrians must walk in the street, they should walk facing traffic
- Pedestrians should be especially careful at intersections, where drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians while turning onto another street.
- Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets.
- In bad weather, take care that your umbrella or raincoat does not prevent approaching vehicles from seeing you.
- Small children should not cross streets by themselves or be allowed to play or walk near traffic. Kids cannot accurately judge vehicle distances and speeds and may make unpredictable movements.
- Dusk and dawn are the most dangerous times of the day for pedestrians.
- At night, cross where the lights are bright and visibility is good.
- Drivers cannot avoid what they can't see. When walking at night, wear retro-reflective outdoor clothing or shoes or lights to make yourself more visible. Avoid wearing dark clothing.
- Pedestrians should increase their visibility at night by carrying a flashlight when walking.
- Alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to walk safely, just like they do a person's ability to drive.