Pedestrian Safety - Tips for Pedestrians

· Allow vehicles enough time to stop. Don’t assert the right of way with a fast moving vehicle, you could lose.
· Make eye contact with drivers. But don’t assume they will yield.
· Cross at intersections. Crossing mid-block is unsafe; never cross from between two parked cars…drivers can’t see you and aren’t expecting you. When crossing at a signal controlled intersection, cross only on a green light OR when the “walk” sign is activated; the walk sign may change but the light is timed to give you enough time to continue on safely before opposing traffic approaches.
· Stop, look and listen before crossing. Just like when you were a kid, look right and left over your shoulder before crossing, look for cars and bicycles, bicycles are required to obey the rules just like the cars.
· Always cross in a straight line… the shortest distance between two points. Use extra care when crossing with children. Remember drivers may not see a little one… hold their hand while crossing.
· Use the same rules of caution in a parking lot. Parking lots can be just as dangerous as the street.
· Be a defensive walker. Watch where you are going. Expect the unexpected. Don’t let cars surprise you… even if the motorist is wrong. You could be dead right.