How to Prevent Car Accidents and Pedestrian Injuries

Pedestrian Safety Tips and Safe Driving Tips for Everyone Stay safe and be seen!

Did you know that more than 5,000 pedestrians are killed each year in the United States because they are struck by motor vehicles or bicycles? To be safe when sharing sidewalks and streets, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. By taking simple precautions, you can prevent injury and possible death.

Three of the most common accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians occur when pedestrians make the following mistakes:

1) Crossing a street that is not in the intersection (jaywalking).

2) Walk on the road, not on the side of the road.

3) Walk on the road in the same direction as moving vehicles.

To help prevent these accidents, follow these simple pedestrian safety tips:

• BE SEEN: Avoid common traffic hazards.

• Wait for drivers to stop and make eye contact before crossing a street. Don’t assume they see you.

• Cross at a corner or marked path, following the traffic signals.

• Sidewalks are obviously safer than roads, but watch out for oncoming traffic.

• If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the street, facing traffic.

• Bicyclists should ride with the flow of traffic, preferably in marked lanes.

• Look left-right-left before crossing any street and keep looking until you cross.

• Do not start across if a red signal is flashing.

• When crossing at a green light, watch in all directions for turning cars.

• Attach a safety flag to a wheelchair, motorized cart, or stroller for visibility.

Sharing public spaces with vehicle traffic requires extra care and attention from everyone. When everyone is courteous and cautious, it’s safe to get around on foot, bike, skate, wheelchair, or even scooter. We all need to avoid risky situations, and when drivers follow these safety tips, we all get where we’re going safe!

• BE SAFE: Slow down, look, anticipate.

• Careful driving begins when you turn the ignition key.

• Driveways and parking areas are dangerous. Exit slowly, looking all around for pedestrians or bystanders.

• In public garages, self-service businesses, and commercial lots, watch out for those on foot or on two wheels. Look in every direction, especially when crossing sidewalks and marked paths.

• Before making a right turn at red lights, drivers must come to a complete stop.

• Make sure no pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, or wheelchair users are crossing or waiting to cross. They have the right of way.

• Motorists making a left turn at green lights must also yield the right-of-way to anyone crossing.