Pedestrian Safety Tips - RPD

Pedestrian Safety Tips

Winter can be a dangerous time of year for pedestrians and drivers.  A common statement from drivers following a collision with a pedestrian is "I never saw the pedestrian." As a pedestrian, arm yourself with that information and take the following precautions:

• Be visible.  Pedestrians wearing dark clothing at night may not be seen in time for a driver to stop.  Yellow and white clothing increases your safety, but reflective clothing, accessories, and equipment is best.  Do not enter the street from behind a parked car or other obstruction.
• Look both ways.  Always look to the left, to the right, and to the left again before entering any roadway.
• Use a marked crosswalk when possible. Keep in mind, all intersections, whether they are marked or unmarked, are legal pedestrian crossings. For more info on crosswalks, click here.
• Cross at the intersection. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at an intersection.  A pedestrian must not interfere with traffic when crossing a roadway at any point other than a marked crosswalk or intersection.
• Keep your attention on the traffic.  Most collisions between pedestrians and motor vehicles happen in crosswalks where pedestrians feel most protected.
• Don't cross against the signal. Always cross with the pedestrian signal.  Watch for turning cars before you enter the roadway.
• Signal your intentions.  Make eye contact with a driver before you enter the roadway.  Put your hand out to signal your intent to cross the street.
• Don't dart or run into traffic. Pedestrians should not enter the roadway so suddenly that a driver is unable to stop.