Sadly, in 2019 alone, 6,205 pedestrians were killed in traffic-related incidents. So, as you can understand, it’s always something very commendable when individuals take the lead in safety matters. Lately, for instance, some of you have been reaching out to us to find out how they can improve their pedestrian safety.
As always, we are more than willing to oblige and share in all aspects of safety. Below, we outline and discuss some ways you can improve your pedestrian safety.
And since most of us are pedestrians when we are in our neighborhoods and sometimes at night, we look at pedestrian safety specifically in our neighborhoods and at night times.
Improving Your Pedestrian Safety in your Neighborhood
Although most of us have access to some kind of motor vehicle transportation, when moving around our neighborhoods, however, it’s most likely there is no need for motorized transport. For most, it is at such times that we become pedestrians, and should be aware of pedestrian safety in our neighborhood.
On such pedestrian occasions, please improve your pedestrian safety by remembering what follows.
Always Walk on the Sidewalk/Walk Facing Traffic
Sidewalks are built for a reason-for you to walk off the road. When you are a pedestrian, use them-never the middle of the road. If there are no sidewalks in your neighborhood, then talk to your council representative about having some laid. It could also be that the roadway you are on is prohibited to pedestrians-like the highway. Unless you have run of gas, always avoid walking along highways.
Be Knowledgeable Of, and Follow All Traffic and Pedestrian Rules, Signs, and Signals
Knowledge is power. Before becoming a pedestrian, make sure you are knowledgeable of, and follow all traffic and pedestrian rules, signs and signals. For example, always look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.
Be Attentive Always
Because of the stresses and strains of life, or simply the music coming through your headphones, sometimes you are not as attentive as you should be-especially when walking along your neighborhood streets. Please be an attentive pedestrian and always conscious of what’s happening around you-it can save your life. Wearing live headphones and talking on your cell phone can be especially distracting. If you can avoid it, don’t wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while walking.
Always Cross at an Intersection
As a pedestrian, be especially careful at intersections. When you have to cross the street, always cross at an intersection.
According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2016, 72% of pedestrian fatalities reportedly happened away from signalized intersections, (i.e. mid-block crossings or non-intersections). If a crosswalk is unavailable, be sure to find the most well-lit spot on the road to cross and wait for a long enough gap in traffic to make it safely across the street.
Don’t Make Assumptions About Motorists
It’s not always in your best interest not to make assumptions about motorists. For instance, never assume that a motorist is licensed to drive-quite a number usually are not! Neither should you assume that licensed drivers will stop and wait for you to cross at a pedestrian crossing. We advise making eye contact with drivers, whenever you are about to cross either an intersection or in front of a car. You might assume that a driver has seen you when, in fact, they haven’t because they are driving whilst also busy on their cell phone!
Don’t Dart or Dash into the Street
Children, especially those, under 10 should never walk unaccompanied. They should instead always be pedestrians with an adult firmly holding their hand as much as possible. The reason is that when alone, some children tend to dart and dash into the street- right in front of oncoming traffic. For this reason, it’s particularly important to hold your child’s hand when you are crossing the street.
Don’t Play in the Street
Both children, adolescents, and even some adults tend to play with a football, baseball, or a pet in their neighborhoods’ streets. Doing so is dangerous as you will sometimes not be able to see oncoming traffic.
Ride in A Car as Much as Possible
Interestingly, in the US, while pedestrian fatalities between 2007 and 2016 increased by some 27%, traffic fatalities of vehicle occupants decreased 14% over the same ten-year period. What this essentially means is that, as our vehicles have become safer, riding in a car is now safer than walking on our roads.
The risks of walking for a pedestrian especially increase as it gets darker.
Improving Your Pedestrian Safety During Nighttime
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that of the 27% increase in pedestrian fatalities between 2007 and 2016, 75 percent of them occurred in the dark.
Given the chilling pedestrian fatalities stats above, should you then stop walking at night? Well, read on.
Whilst walking at night – like everything else in life- has its risks, these can somewhat be minimized by taking the cautionary measures below.
Wear Bright-Colored Clothing
When you are walking at night, we advise that you wear bright-colored clothing so that you are visible to motorists. If possible, wear clothing that has reflective stripes so that they illuminate your presence when a car is approaching you.
Carry and Switch on a Flashlight
Should it not be possible for you to wear either bright-colored or reflective clothing, then the next best thing we can advise is to carry and switch on a flashlight as you walk in the dark. Carry with you two flashlights-just in case the first one runs out of batteries or power. Alternatively, walk while there is still daylight.
Walk Where There is Street Lighting
Aside from taking walks when there is still daylight, it is always advisable to walk where there is street lighting. Streetlights ensure that you are visible to motorists who are also out and about.
Cross Street at A Well-Lit Spot
Take advantage of your neighborhood’s street lights by crossing at a well-lit spot on your street. Possibly where there is a combination of static signs, painted crosswalks, and bright lighting.
Be a Sober Pedestrian
Like driving under the influence, walking when drunk increases your chance of being struck. Be a sober pedestrian and walk without secretly drinking. It will only get you in trouble with both motorists and law enforcement.
Be A Proactive, Responsible Resident
If you love walking around your neighborhood, then take it upon yourself to make it a pedestrian-friendly one. Approach and petition your community, community leader, council representative, or Homeownership Association. For example, you could suggest the building of bumps and humps to slow down vehicle traffic so that you and your fellow pedestrians are safe. The static signs could be covered with reflective sheeting for easier visibility during the night.
Alton Clarke was born and raised in Syracuse. He has written for MSNBC, The Business Insider and Passport Magazine. In regards to academics, Alton earned a degree from St. John’s University. Alton covers entertainment and culture stories here at Diving daily.