Important Safety Reminders For Pedestrians:

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■ Walk on a sidewalk or path when one is available.

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■ If no sidewalk or path is available, walk on the shoulder, facing traffic. Stay alert; don’t be distracted by electronic devices, including smart phones, MP3 players, and other devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.

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■ Be cautious night and day when sharing the road with vehicles. Never assume a driver sees you (he or she could be distracted, under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or just not see you). Make eye contact with drivers as they approach.

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■ Be predictable. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections when possible. This is where drivers expect pedestrians.

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■ If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area, wait for a gap in traffic that allows you enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch for traffic as you cross.

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■ Be visible. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

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■ Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your judgment and coordination.

 

 

For Drivers:

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■ Look for pedestrians everywhere. Pedestrians may not be walking where they should be or may be hard to see— especially in poorly lit conditions, including dusk/dawn/night and poor weather.

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■ Always stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk or where pedestrian crosswalk signs are posted.

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■ Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. They may be stopped to allow pedestrians to cross the street.

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■ Slow down and look for pedestrians. Be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.

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■ Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

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■ Follow the speed limit; slow down around pedestrians.

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■ Stay focused and slow down where children may be present, like school zones and neighborhoods.

 

— NHTSA’s Safety Countermeasures Division

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