Walk Smart: Safety tips for Pedestrians

Make yourself visible to drivers

• Wear retroreflective materials and bright/light colored clothing. Many people are unaware that they are virtually invisible to drivers at night. Clothing with retroreflective materials (such as vests for runners/bikers) can make you visible from up to 500 feet away.
• Carry a flashlight when walking at night. Don't wear headphones. Use extreme caution when crossing the street—assume that drivers cannot see you.
• Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars, or other obstacles so drivers can see you.

Avoid dangerous behaviors

• Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Be aware of the dangers of drinking and walking—walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.
• Watch for cars reversing in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.

Look before you step

• Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections if possible.
• Obey traffic signals such as walk/don't walk signals.
• Don't rely solely on pedestrian signals; look left, right, behind you, and left again before crossing a street or stepping into traffic.
• Watch for turning vehicles; make sure the driver sees you and will stop.
• Look across all lanes you must cross and make sure each lane is clear before proceeding.