Pedestrian Safety

Tips for Pedestrians

Here are some tips to be safe when walking around vehicles.

  1. Cross the street with your child until age 10 when their peripheral vision and reasoning skills are more developed.
  2. Be predictable. Don't run or dart into the road. Stop at the curb or edge of the road and look both ways for danger before crossing.
  3. Use sidewalks where provided. Cross or enter streets where it is legal to do so.
  4. Where no sidewalks are provided, it is usually safer to walk facing road traffic. Stay off freeways and restricted zones.
  5. Make it easy for drivers to see you - dress in light colors and wear retro-reflective material. When it is dark, carry a flashlight.
  6. Be wary. Most drivers are nice people, but don't count on them paying attention. Watch out - make eye contact to be sure they see you!
  7. Alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to walk safely, just like they do a person's ability to drive.
  8. Use extra caution when crossing multiple-lane, higher speed streets.
  9. Walk defensively, a car will hurt you more than you will hurt the car!

Pedestrian Safety Resources