Whether you use our roads to get fresh air, keep fit or walk the dog, there are many things you can do as a pedestrian to keep yourself and those around you safe, both during the day and at night.
- Always walk on the sidewalk.
- If there isn’t a sidewalk, make sure you are walking facing traffic so you can see all the cars coming towards you.
- Wear light or brightly coloured clothing when walking or running. At night wear reflective clothing or materials to reflect the headlights of incoming traffic.
- Where possible, always cross at marked crosswalks.
- Look right, left and then right again before you step into the street.
- Do not run across the road.
- Young pedestrians should walk with a responsible adult until they learn and observe the safety rules of the road.
- The elderly are also high risk pedestrians because of changes in their mobility and deteriorating eyesight and hearing which makes it harder for them to judge distances and the speed of traffic. Seek assistance when crossing the road.
- Watch out for cars, cyclists or motorcycles when getting off a bus.
- Beware of vehicles reversing out of driveways.
- Avoid crossing between parked cars or at the front or back of buses and large vehicles.
- Show consideration of other pedestrians, particularly older people or those with a vision or hearing impairment.
- Put the smartphone down, avoid listening to loud music and pay attention.