9 Safety Tips for Pedestrians Of All Ages

Almost every person in the world regardless of their age is classified as a pedestrian. In today’s fast moving world, there is an increased stress on the deadlines and on incredible amount of traffic in some locations, this sometimes increases the risk for pedestrians. While many people don’t give importance to the fact that they can walk safely from one place to another because of some reasons, there has been an increase in accidents involving pedestrians in recent past almost every year. Looking at the statistics, usually children and adults are mostly involved in traffic accidents associated to the pedestrians. However, it is fairly safe to walk near the busy roads, here are nine common sense tips that are very helpful to keep pedestrians of all ages away from accidents and dangers.

1. Always Be Aware

When a pedestrian is fully aware of its surroundings and the possible dangers related, they can have fun with their pals and at the same time being prepared for anything than can possibly happen because they are aware in advance about the risks.

2. That Traffic Signal Is Talking To You

There are everyday examples of people who cross the street ignoring the flashing traffic signal saying ‘Do Not Walk’. They mostly cross the street successfully but there are some cases when their decision results in a change of life for both the pedestrian and the unsuspecting car’s driver who was following his green light going the other way. There are blind corners in many traffic situations where the driver is unable to see and when they see a person walking in the middle of the road, its too late. Crossing the street or road when the go ahead signal is given by the traffic signal is of course the smartest thing to do.

3. Use Sidewalks Of Course

Those pedestrians who use sidewalks are safer than those who don’t. Those who insist on walking near the road are at risk or the worst can be the actual surface or the road. In case of non availability of sidewalks, then a pedestrian should use the left shoulder of the road that faces the oncoming traffic so those vehicles travelling near them will be in their full view.

4. Cross The Street Where You Are Supposed To

The reason why many pedestrians get hit by the car is because they attempt to cross a street in a place where they are not supposed to. Drivers are driving at a high speed than the speed of the walking pedestrians. Most drivers have a habit to look for pedestrians at intersections and marked crosswalks. When pedestrians attempt to cross at a location that is unmarked, the driver can be taken by surprised and the confusion can result in accident.

5. Look Left, Then Right, Then Left Again

Crossing the street blindly is a recipe for tragedy and disaster. The right way under any situation is that a person should cross road is after checking the oncoming traffic on both directions. A fairly easy way is to look left, then right and left again. This is all it takes for a pedestrian to identify if there is any danger.

6. Use Pedestrian Bridges, Specifically Built For Pedestrians

Huge amount of money is spent all the time around the country for analyzing the safety levels of particular areas of roads. When a particular area of road is to be of kind that is not safe for the pedestrians at street level, pedestrian bridges are regularly installed by transportation agencies. Those people who ignore these bridges don’t only risk their lives but they are doing it at a location that is very dangerous place to choose.

7. Make Sure Drivers Know You Are There

A great way for a pedestrian to improve the chances of safety is to make sure that the driver who comes near them is aware of their presence. This can mean eye contact with a driver when crossing the street or carrying a flashlight or wearing reflective clothing when walking at night. It is also better to not enter a street at those locations where the view of the driver may be blocked.

8. Drinking While Walking – Not Always Safe

Drunk driving has been a big focus. To a low level, people who drink too much alcohol or other reaction impairing drugs are always giving problems when they walk near busy streets. When a person is impaired to a level at which they are confused and have trouble walking, then they are a danger to themselves and the passing nearby motorists. The better option is to take a ride home with a friend.

9. Children Are Completely A Different Story

Children should never be allowed to play on the road under any situation. Toy can fly or be thrown on the street and the child without any supervision may run on the street and can come in front of a speeding car that is totally unaware. For avoiding such tragedies, a fence should be constructed to keep children away from the roads. Children should hold the hand of the adult when walking on the road and they should be warned of the dangers that the passing vehicles can bring. Many children are not able to judge the speed of the oncoming vehicle or the distance between the vehicle and themselves properly, this is the reason children should be supervised when crossing the roads.

These rules and tips are simple to follow and using common sense is all what it takes for pedestrians of all ages to stay safe when walking on busy roads. Many people who don’t take care will surely get injured and can even die as they get involved in traffic accidents despite they were not driving. By using common sense and paying attention to the surroundings, it is a lot more possible to avoid such tragedies and accidents.