Pedestrians are the most important road users that belong to high risk group. Today, we are going to discuss our list of 20 road safety tips for pedestrians crossing and walking.

In this article, all pedestrians are advised to cultivate the habit of using constructed road infrastructure such as zebra crossings, subways or pedestrians foot overhead bridges in order to ensure their safety.

But first;

Who is a Pedestrian?

A pedestrian is a person who is walking on street or city roads; especially in the areas also used by motorized vehicles such as cars, buses, motorcycles, trucks and so on.

Generally, there are three types of pedestrians most involved in road traffic crashes:

• The school children,
• The elderly, and
• Adults under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

While walking or crossing the roads, it’s important for all pedestrians to take extra care and concentrate properly on the traffic. Short-cut roads crossing options or children playing on the roads while in groups are dangerous and should be avoided.

Again, pedestrians should pay special attention at intersections where drivers may fail to yield the right-of-way to them – especially while turning to another street.

To reduce the increase in the number of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes, well-trained drivers are therefore advised to give way for other road users; especially pedestrians; and to slow down while approaching built-up areas.

It is important to note at this juncture also; that the motorists have more responsibility under the law: to exercise caution when operating motor vehicles on city streets where pedestrians are more at stake.

Pedestrians are also advised to use the suitable pedestrian crossings and subways; and to apply caution while walking or crossing busy roads or railways.

In fact everyone using the public roads have responsibilities. The pedestrians need to be vigilant and always look out for motorists; and motorists need to be vigilant of pedestrians too.

So, below are other road safety guidelines for all pedestrians and drivers as well. As a road user, understanding the following tips will help you stay safe while on foot or while driving.

20 Road Safety Tips for Pedestrians Crossing and Walking

1. Avoid alcohol and drugs as they can impair your vision and the abilityto walk safely.
2. Always walk on the sidewalk or footways. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic.
3. Don’t rely solely on pedestrian signals. Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
4. Help other road users to see you. Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials.
5. Always find a safe place to cross a road; If possible, cross the road using islands, zebra crossings, and subway or pedestrians footbridges.
6. Use a crossing point controlled by a police officer or road traffic warden.
7. If there isn’t a crossing point nearby, choose a place where you can see clearly in all directions; and where Drivers and Cyclists can see you clearly.
8. Cross the street in a well-lit area at night.
9. Stand clear of parked buses, hedges, cars, or other obstacles before crossing – so the drivers can see you.
10. Before you get to the edge of the road; STOP! Don’t go too close to the traffic!
11. Give yourself plenty of time to have a good look around before you step on to the road.
12. Avoid walking or crossing with headphones or devices that could potentially distract you and reduce your awareness of other road users.
13. Before crossing the road, always look Left! Right! Left again! And all around for traffic and listen.
14. If any traffic is coming, please WAIT! And let them pass!
15. If you are crossing a multiple lanes highway, look across all lanes you want cross and make sure they are cleared before proceeding.
16. Before crossing, look all around again and listen; don’t cross until there’s a safe gap in the traffic; and you’re certain there’s plenty of time to cross.
17. Remember: Even if the traffic is a long way off, it may be approaching very quickly;
18. When it’s safe, GO STRAIGHT across the road.
19. Don’t cross the road DIAGONALLY; and Don’t RUN while crossing the road.
20. Keep looking and listening for traffic while you CROSS!

Wrapping up: 20 Road Safety Tips for Pedestrians Crossing and Walking

This is our list of 20 Road Safety Tips for Pedestrians Crossing and Walking. Is this article helpful? Share it with friends and leave your comment below. We hope you will become a good road user after reading through this article?

Help other people cross the road. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a parent, or a caregiver who wants to make sure your loved ones, children and your neighbors enjoy streets walking and road crossing safely in your society, this article will help you do just that.

Connect with our Road Safety Team and find out more about road safety campaigns! We offer pedestrians road safety training and guidance while enjoying walking, running, trekking, and crossing the roads.

Related: 

Photo credit: ksltv.com