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Pedestrian Safety

graphic on person walking on a sidewalk

Stay on Sidewalks

Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far away from vehicles as possible. 

Why? Facing traffic helps you see what's coming — whether its vehicles or cyclists — so you can react quickly and move out of the way if needed. 

 

 

graphic of person walking across a cross walk at night

Cross Carefully

Always cross streets at crosswalks or intersections—never mid-block. Before crossing, wait until vehicles come to a complete stop and make eye contact with drivers when possible.

Although drivers are required to yield to pedestrians, it’s not guaranteed that they will. Crossing mid-block makes you less visible and increases risk. Using a designated crosswalk gives you time to check for traffic and allows drivers time to see you and stop for your safety. 

 

 

Stay Alert

graphic of a "do not" symbol over a person walking across a crosswalk on their phone

When crossing the street, stay alert: 

  • Remove distractions: put away your phone and take headphones off if wearing them. 

  • Pay attention: check for signs, signals, and the actions of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians around you.

When focused on a phone, your world shrinks to the few inches in front of you. When wearing headphones, you tune out the sounds around you. Crossing the street requires the opposite — zoom out to broaden your awareness and tune in to listen to your surroundings.