| Walking has become such a routine part of everyday life, that many people do not consider the safety aspects of walking. Most injuries to walkers happen when a vehicle hits them because the driver could not see the walker or the walker and driver were not paying close enough attention. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the key to remember when walking is to see and be seen.
See and be Seen
Ø Walkers are especially at risk during winter. The lower angle of the winter sun increases the shadows cast by buildings and trees. Decreased daylight, shadows and nightfall make it difficult to see walkers wearing dark or non-reflective clothing.
Ø Dress to be seen by other drivers. If you walk at night wearing white clothing does not guarantee drivers can see you. Wear reflective or retro-reflective materials, which give off light when headlights shine on them.
Safety Tips for Walkers
Ø Wear sturdy shoes that will give your proper footing.
Ø Use paths and sidewalks whenever available.
Ø If you must walk on or near the road, remember to walk facing oncoming traffic, so that you and the driver can see each other.
Ø Cars and other objects can obscure a driver’s view. If a driver has stopped to let you cross the street, don’t blindly accept the driver’s offer because there may be another vehicle in the next lane overtaking the stopped vehicle.
Ø Plan routes to avoid hazardous crossings.
Ø Stop and look for traffic in all directions before crossing the street, and look to the left, right and left again.
Ø Don’t rely only on traffic signs and signals. You should always look out for traffic even if you are in a crosswalk, walking with the light or with the walk signal.
Ø Allow plenty of time to cross the streets.
Driver Safety Tips
§ When you are driving on a residential street, adhere to the speed limit.
§ If a person is in a crosswalk, wait until they have crossed before proceeding.
§ Obey all traffic signals.
§ DO NOT go through a red light.
For more information on pedestrian safety and resources:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov | 
