7 Safety Tips for Pedestrian Safety Month

October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and in honor of the occasion, Hughes & Coleman is sharing a few helpful tips to stay safe as a pedestrian in our communities.

With changes in economy and environment, more and more people are making the choice to walk to their destinations. Besides the economic and environmental advantages, walking is a great way to reduce the risk of diseases, help manage weight, control blood pressure, and strengthen a person’s overall body. While walking comes with its share of benefits, there are certain safety guidelines that should be considered when walking from place to place.

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published a list of Safety Tips for all pedestrians to keep in mind when walking to prevent any chance of injury:

1. Obey all signs and signals, and follow the rules of the road. If the red hand appears on the crosswalk signal, do not cross. Be patient and wait for the walk sign.
2. Walk on sidewalks when they are available.
3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from the traffic as possible.
4. Cross the street at crosswalks or intersections, and before crossing, make sure to look all ways for approaching traffic. This includes being aware of any vehicles that may be turning on to the road you are crossing. Check the traffic coming from all directions.
5. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, find a well-lit area to cross, where you have the best view of oncoming traffic and they also have the best view of you. The pedestrian has the right of way at all times, but the oncoming traffic has to see you to be able to stop.
6. Watch for vehicles entering and exiting driveways.
7. Avoid being under the influence of alcohol of drugs when walking. Walking under the influence can impair your abilities, judgement, and reaction time, and it should be avoided whenever possible.

In 2020 alone, 6,516 pedestrians were killed on our roadways. It is also estimated that around 55,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide. In 2019, more than 17% of all traffic deaths were pedestrians.

Harm and even death can potentially be avoided simply by being aware of your surroundings, being smart, and following these Pedestrian Safety Tips. At Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers, our personal injury lawyers care about our neighbors and the people who make our community special. In honor of Pedestrian Safety Month, remember to always take care of yourselves and those around you when walking on our roadways.