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Resource Sheet 8: Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Drivers

Safety tips for pedestrians:

Make yourself visible to drivers

Look for cars before stepping out near parked vehicles.
  • Wear retroreflective materials and bright/light colored clothing. Many people are unaware that they are virtually invisible to drivers at night. Clothing with retroreflective materials (such as vests for runners/bikers) can make you visible from up to 500 feet away.
  • Carry a flashlight when walking at night. Don't wear headphones. Use extreme caution when crossing the street—assume that drivers cannot see you.
  • Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars, or other obstacles so drivers can see you.

Avoid dangerous behaviors

Look for cars at driveways and parking lots.
  • Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
  • Be aware of the dangers of drinking and walking—walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.
  • Watch for cars reversing in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.

Look before you step

Look in all directions before crossing streets.
  • Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections if possible.
  • Obey traffic signals such as walk/don't walk signals.
  • Don't rely solely on pedestrian signals; look left, right, behind you, and left again before crossing a street or stepping into traffic.
  • Watch for turning vehicles; make sure the driver sees you and will stop.
  • Look across all lanes you must cross and make sure each lane is clear before proceeding.

Safety tips for drivers:

Watch for pedestrians at all times

Look for pedestrians at all times and don't drive distracted.
  • Scan the road and the sides of the road ahead for potential pedestrians.
  • Before making a turn, look in all directions for pedestrians crossing.
  • Don't drive distracted or after consuming alcohol or other drugs.
  • For maximum visibility, keep your windshield clean and headlights on.

Yield to pedestrians at crossings

Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.
  • Stop or yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked.
  • Stop or yield to pedestrians when making right or left turns at intersections.
  • Do not block or park in crosswalks.

Drive the speed limit and avoid aggressive maneuvers

Be prepared to stop for pedestrians, especially in neighborhoods.
  • Never pass/overtake a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
  • Obey speed limits and come to a complete stop at stop signs.
  • Always be prepared to stop for pedestrians, especially in residential areas and near schools.
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