How Pedestrians Can Stay Safe

Distractions are a significant threat to everyone on the road, so you must learn how pedestrians can stay safe despite these regular interruptions.

Most people are pedestrians at some point during the day, whether you are walking in and out of a store, heading home from school, or strolling into work. Unfortunately, pedestrian deaths and injuries are all too common. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were 6,205 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in 2019 alone.

With this knowledge, it’s imperative to learn the best practices to stay safe when walking.

Walking Safety Tips

The NHTSA has outlined ten basic safety tips so that pedestrians can stay safe, including:

1. Always follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals
2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available
3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic
4. Avoid distractions that take your eyes from the road
5. Cross streets at intersections
6. If a crosswalk is not available, wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely.
7. Never assume a driver sees you.
8. Wear bright or reflective clothing so you can be visible at all times
9. Watch for cars backing out of driveways or parking stalls
10. Always avoid using drugs or alcohol when walking

Driver Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Drivers are just as responsible as pedestrians for the safety of walkers. Here are nine steps drivers should always take when operating a vehicle:

1. Look for pedestrians everywhere you go
2. Use extreme caution when driving in conditions that make it hard to see
3. Come to a complete stop before turning at a crosswalk
4. Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
5. Do not pass other vehicles stopped at a crosswalk
6. Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
7. Always follow the speed limit
8. Exercise severe caution when driving in school zones or other areas where children are commonly present
9. Be exceedingly cautious when backing up your vehicle.

Helping Children Stay Safe While They Walk

Millions of kids walk to and from school every day during the school year. Along with the tips mentioned previously, here are two additional guidelines to help children stay safe:

• Watch the road – Children are much less likely to pay attention to their surroundings than adults. Because of this, you must encourage your children to keep their eyes up while walking. Teach them to put all of their belongings inside their backpack or in a pocket until they reach their destination
• No playing while walking – Horseplay is typical when children walk around together. This is dangerous because it can accidentally send a child into the road. Teach your children the importance of using their walking space safely.

Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Is Here for You

Everyone must share the road so that pedestrians can stay safe no matter their location. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a pedestrian accident, the attorneys at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here for you. Our team will help you receive compensation for your injuries and give you the support you deserve.

We have offices in Orem, Provo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Reach out today for your free case evaluation.