Tips for pedestrian safety

* Pedestrians are the most vulnerable group of people on the road. Here are some useful tips for pedestrians to avoid accidents on the road.

* Be Safe and Be Seen: Make yourself visible to drivers

Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials especially at night. Surveys have revealed that 32 percent of all pedestrian fatalities occur between 8 p.m. and 12 midnight.

* Carry a flashlight when walking at night.

*  If there is no pedestrian crossing, cross the street in a well-lit area at night.

*  Stand clear of buses, parked cars, or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.

*  Adults should supervise children when crossing streets. Smaller children may be difficult for drivers to see and young children may not be able to judge whether it is safe to cross a street.

*  As pedestrians, children are at even greater risk of injury or death from traffic crashes due to their small size, inability to judge distances and speeds, and lack of experience with traffic rules.

*  Be Smart and Alert: Avoid dangerous behaviours

*  Always walk on the pavement. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.

* Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck. Almost half of all traffic crashes resulting in pedestrian casualties involve alcohol consumption. Surprisingly, 34 percent of that total was on the part of the pedestrian. Alcohol impairs your decision-making skills, physical reflexes and other abilities just as much on your feet as it does behind the wheel.

*  Do not assume vehicles will stop. Make eye contact with drivers, don’t just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone or even in a hands free phone conversation (they are not supposed to, but it happens), he or she may not be paying enough attention to drive safely. This is especially important at night, in low-light conditions such as dusk or dawn or in inclement weather.

*  Don’t rely solely on pedestrian signals. Look before you cross the road.

*  Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.

*  Be Careful at Crossings: Look before you step

*  Cross streets at marked crossings or intersections, where available.

*  Obey traffic signals such as green man/red man signs. Look for pedestrian push buttons for crossing protection at signalized intersections. Know and follow all traffic rules, signs and signals. You need to be aware of the rules vehicles around you must follow to properly anticipate what drivers will do. This will help increase your safety.

*  Look left, right, and left again before crossing a street. Be aware that drivers have differing levels of eyesight and skill in operating motor vehicles. Also, breaking distances vary between light and heavy vehicles.

*  Watch for turning vehicles. Make sure the driver sees you and will stop for you.

*  Look across ALL lanes you must cross and visually clear each lane before proceeding. Even if one motorist stops, do not presume drivers in other lanes can see you and will stop for you.

*  Don’t wear headphones or talk on a mobile phone (even on Bluetooth) while crossing. Smartphones and handheld electronic devices are a daily part of life, but they take your eyes off of the road and distract your attention.

*  Walk defensively and be ready for unexpected events. Know what is going on around you and don’t allow your vision to be blocked by clothing, hats, or items that you are carrying.

* Use particular caution when crossing driveways and car park entrances. Drivers may not expect you to be there or see you. (AAA)