Pedestrian Safety Month Is Here

Pedestrian Safety Month aims to raise awareness of the dangers to pedestrians and provide suggestions to keep pedestrians safe.

Here are some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help prevent pedestrian fatalities throughout the country.

Safety Tips for Drivers

Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk.
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to allow other vehicles to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can't see.
Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, school zones, and in neighborhoods where children are present.
Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
If a crosswalk or intersection is unavailable, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking, as these impair your abilities and judgment.

For more information, check out the NHTSA's page on pedestrian safety HERE.