Image of people crossing the street at crosswalk.

Practicing Pedestrian Safety: Five Tips for Pedestrians and Drivers

There are many benefits of walking as a means for transportation, including heathier bodies, cleaner environments and enhanced social engagement, however, there is also a high risk for injury.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 7,300 pedestrian fatalities in 2021 due to traffic crashes. Bronson Trauma Services has five tips for drivers and pedestrians on how to stay safe while walking.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

  1. Always obey the rules of the road and all traffic signs and signals.
  2. Stay alert! Be sure to keep your eyes and ears attentive to your surroundings. Avoid distractions such as using your cell phone or wearing headphones.
  3. Watch for cars around you. Be aware of cars entering or exiting driveways, backing up in parking lots or turning into parking lots.
  4. Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. If a sidewalk is not available, walk facing traffic and keep as much distance from the road as possible.
  5. When crossing the street at crosswalks or intersections, look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available when trying to cross the road, find a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic from both directions. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely and continue watching for traffic as you cross the road.

Safety Tips for Drivers

  1. Be on the lookout for pedestrians at all times. Be extra cautious when backing up or turning out of driveways and parking lot entrances and exits.
  2. Slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching a crosswalk. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and leave a big enough gap at the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians.
  3. Never pass cars stopped at a crosswalk. It is likely there are pedestrians crossing that you can’t see.
  4. Slow down and use extra caution when driving in low-vision conditions, such as when it is dark out or during bad weather.
  5. Always obey the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present. Always drive free of distraction and sober.

For more information on Bronson Trauma Service’s Injury Prevention Programs visit bronsonhealth.com/emergency/education or email trauma@bronsonhg.org.