5 Safety Tips for Pedestrians

As the weather begins to warm up in many places, many people are taking advantage of the higher temperatures to explore the outdoors. This can be anything from taking a leisurely hike in a nearby park to strolling the streets of a nearby city. As simple as both of these things sound, it’s possible for dangerous situations to occur. According to the NHTSA, in 2019 there were over 6,000 pedestrians killed and an estimated 76,000 seriously injured. 

While everyone has their own preferred method of transportation, all people will experience being a pedestrian at some point. Because of this, it’s important to understand ways to stay safe while walking around the neighborhood. Here are 5 ways for pedestrians to stay safe while walking.

Use Sidewalks Whenever You Can: A sidewalk is a paved path intended for pedestrians to use when walking alongside roads. With special markings and signs, pedestrians are made to be clearly visible to drivers in order to avoid any serious accidents. Some states will ticket pedestrians for walking outside the designated areas, also known as jaywalking, and disrupting the flow of traffic.

Only Cross at Intersections or Crosswalks: Crosswalks and intersections are used as a way to help pedestrians cross at appropriate points without disrupting traffic. With most crosswalks and interactions, there are signs and light signals when a pedestrian should wait for traffic before crossing and when it is appropriate to walk. 

Wear Bright Colors: Wear bright colors when planning to travel by foot in order to be spotted easier by drivers. Colors that blend into the scenery or black at night could make it harder to spot a pedestrian on the side of the road and ultimately lead to a serious pedestrian accident or car accident. Articles with reflective material such as vests or arm bands are also helpful when walking at night.

Stay Alert: While wearing headphones and using phones are a common practice, it’s important to avoid using these while walking on busy roads. According to a Seattle pedestrian accident lawyer from Washington Injury Law, “Distractions for pedestrians include reading while walking, not being aware of your surroundings, listening to music, or paying attention to a cell phone instead of looking both ways.” Refrain from using items or engaging in activities that can take your attention away from your current actions. There are several ways to do this which includes putting your phone on silent and in your pocket or bag, as well as not wearing headphones.

Stay Sober: If you are planning to have a night out with alcohol involved, be sure to have plans for safe transportation arranged ahead of time. Alcohol can lower inhibitions and slow reaction time, both which can result in a serious accident. Avoid walking while drunk or feeling unsteady due to alcohol consumption.

Walking is one of the easiest ways to get around from place to place, especially during warm weather. Unfortunately, there are several factors that are out of the power of a pedestrian and can lead to serious injuries. By taking safety precautions, pedestrians are able to do their part by protecting themselves and others on the road.