Pedestrian safety
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Pedestrian safety

Pedestrian safety

Pedestrians encounter danger any time they walk on or near a roadway. Protect yourself and stay alert around vehicles.

What can pedestrians do to stay safe?

  • Always use sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.
  • Always use crosswalks. Look left, then right, then left again before crossing.
  • Yield to vehicles.
  • Don’t assume traffic will stop for you.
  • Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
  • Walk to the right in crosswalks to allow others to pass on your left.
  • Look left and right before exiting a bus.
  • Be aware that parked cars or other obstacles can block your view of oncoming traffic.
  • Exit your car on the curb side of the street if possible.

What if there is no crosswalk?

  • Check for a crosswalk further up or down the street.
  • Don't jaywalk. If you're hit while jaywalking, the driver may not be liable, and insurance may not cover your injuries.

What can drivers do to keep pedestrians safe?

  • Always stop for pedestrians.
  • Reduce your speed when approaching crosswalks.
  • Stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians when turning.
  • Be careful when passing buses or stopped vehicles.
  • Stay alert and put your phone away. Pedestrians may enter your path suddenly.
  • Obey the speed limit and drive to conditions.

What are the laws?

Safety campaign