Pedestrians need to exercise caution, especially at intersections, when crossing the road, standing near a road, and walking at night. There are lots of ways to increase the safety of you and your children when out walking. This is a page about safety tips for pedestrians.
Yesterday, a 9 year old girl was killed in our community. She had been waiting in her grandmothers car for the school bus. When she saw the bus approach, she apparently darted out into traffic and was stuck and killed. Earlier this year, a woman was killed on her lunch hour when a car turned the wrong way down a one way street. These tragedies have prompted me to remind you of these tips:
Remind children of ALL age's proper safety rules. Set a good example and follow these rules yourself!
Drive the speed limit! Keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel (as that old song goes)!
When crossing the street, PLEASE USE CROSS WALKS!
Wear light colored clothing or clothing with a reflective stripe when out walking. Carry a flashlight when escorting a child to the bus stop. Walk on the side of the road, facing on coming traffic or on the sidewalk when available.
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As a driver, be even more contentious when visibility is diminished (dawn, dusk, dreary/rainy weather) I came close to hitting a man who walked out from between 2 parked cars to cross the street.
NEVER take a shortcut to save time (don't jaywalk, cross only in pedestrian crosswalks, and wait until the light prompts you it is safe to walk).
NEVER walk just because the sign says it is OK to do so. Make sure all cars (particularly those turning) see you before stepping out. Look for cars that may run a light or turn the wrong way down a one way street.
Remember how fragile the human body is compared to a 2000 lb vehicle. Better to be late than to take an unnecessary risk.
When unloading from a car-do so on the curb side of the street.
When crossing the street be sure to allow yourself enough time to do so safely. It is often difficult to judge how fast a car is moving. Better to wait until all traffic has passed than to make a fatal error in judgment.
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Don't assume the car sees you! Try to make eye contact before assuming you have the right-of-way.
Be a courteous pedestrian. Walk briskly and be sure and use your manners (a friendly wave to the drive who stopped for you goes a long way!
Carry identification with you if you are out exercising or walking at lunch.
When I go for my daily walk, I usually don't take anything with me including ID. I thought if something should happen to me; heart attack, accident, etc., no one would be able to find out anything about me; where I live, age, etc. I'm 69 years old so these things could happen. Now I take one of those many mailing labels you get in the mail and put one on my sleeve and one on my pants. I don't have to worry about being identified now.
