Everybody has to learn how to share the road, so that means factoring in not just the safety of drivers, but also the safety of pedestrians traveling on the same roads. That means that pedestrian safety is everyone’s responsibility, and that includes those that are both driving and walking on the roads. There are several fundamental driving mistakes that can create harm to pedestrians, so it’s important for drivers to be aware of that. Some of those basic driving errors include driver inattention and distraction as well as failure to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. In fact, both driver inattention and failure to yield are the main contributing factors for crashes involving pedestrians. Whether you are in a car or out walking on the roads, we’ve got some safety tips for both drivers and pedestrians that can help prevent pedestrian-vehicle crashes.

Driver Safety Tips

If you’re driving a car, there are a few things you can do to prevent pedestrian-vehicle crashes. We’ve got a list of tips below that can help you out.

• Make sure to glance carefully at the road as well as sidewalks in front of you and watch out for pedestrians. Ensure that you are attentive and focused when driving and keep your car at a safe speed. Keep in mind that pedestrians can be hard to notice at times, especially when driving in low lighting conditions, or during storms that lessen visibility.
• Before you back up and leave a parking space, look around everywhere. Be especially attentive if you know small children are around.
• Pause for crossing pedestrians at every intersection you drive through, even if that intersection doesn’t feature a stoplight or a crosswalk. Do not block crosswalks when stopped.
• When it comes to pedestrians, try to anticipate where they might be. You need to use extra anticipation skills around schools and urban areas.
• Don’t forget to look for people in wheelchairs and motorized cars who may be below eye level when you drive.
• Prior to making a turn, look around everywhere and focus on finding pedestrians.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

If you are pedestrian walking on roadways, there are a few things you can do prevent pedestrian-vehicle crashes. To help you out, we’ve included a list below.

• When walking near a crosswalk, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you. That way, they will stop. Also, make your intentions to cross clear.
• Don’t jaywalk. Cross streets using crosswalks or intersections. Make sure to pay attention to traffic signals.
• When crossing, make sure to look out for turning and passing vehicles. Also, glance over all lanes with moving vehicles before you begin walking. Make sure you stay alert when walking through the crosswalk as well since drivers aren’t always watching out for pedestrians.
• If a sidewalk is near you, walk on it. Walking on sidewalks is much safer than walking near traffic. Walk facing traffic, since this is usually safer.
• When you know you’ll be walking near traffic, dress so it is easier for drivers to notice you. If you can wear some reflective material, that’s always helpful. It is also a good idea to carry a flashlight when walking in low-lit conditions, because it will not only help you with your own visibility, but it will also make you more visible to drivers.