Walking is an excellent form of transportation, exercise, and fun, and it’s also good for the environment. The more that people walk, the less they drive, which reduces traffic and air pollution from automobiles. However, it is essential to be safety-minded while walking. Here are some tips and resources to help you stay safe while walking.
Things to Remember when Walking
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Always use a sidewalk if there is one.
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If there is no sidewalk and you must walk on the road, walk on the edge of the road and be sure to walk facing traffic.
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Watch out for vehicles turning right on red. Drivers often are looking for other vehicles, not for pedestrians.
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Be safe and be seen. Brightly colored clothing makes it easier for drivers to see you during the daytime. At night, you need to have a flashlight or wear special reflective material on your shoes, hat, jacket, or on your arms or legs that reflect light back to the driver.
Safety Tips for Crossing the Street
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Cross at corners and intersections and use marked crosswalks where available. Do not cross mid-block – that is where most automobile-pedestrian accidents occur.
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Before crossing, look left, then right, then left again for moving cars before you step into the street.
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Use the pedestrian buttons at intersections where available and begin crossing the intersection on the walk signal once all traffic has come to a complete stop.
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If a car is parked near where you are crossing, look to make sure there is no driver and that the car is not running. If there is a driver, make eye contact with driver to make sure they acknowledge that you are crossing the street.
Pedestrian Safety Resources
Check out these pedestrian safety resources for more detailed information.
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Let’s Go Walking is a Pedestrian Safety Curriculum developed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation for grades K-5. It includes grade-targeted lessons and videos. https://www.ncdot.gov/divisions/integrated-mobility/safety/lets-go-nc/Pages/walking.aspx
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also developed a child pedestrian safety curriculum for grades K-5. https://www.nhtsa.gov/pedestrian-safety/child-pedestrian-safety-curriculum
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The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center provides pedestrian safety tips applicable to all age groups. https://www.pedbikeinfo.org/resources/resources_details.cfm?id=5167
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