Safety Tips for Walkers

It’s a beautiful day outside and you decide to go for a walk to get some exercise and fresh air. Have you taken the time to go over your safety plan first? Many people just go for a walk and never even think about what they need to do to stay safe. Here are some tips to have a safe walk:

  •Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials.

  •Carry a flashlight when walking at night.

  •Cross in a well-lit area at night.

  •Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.

  •Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.

  •Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.

  •Don't assume vehicles will stop; make eye contact with drivers; don't just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone, they may not be paying enough attention to drive safely.

  •Don't rely solely on pedestrian signals; look before you cross the road.

  •Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.

  •Don't wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while walking so that you won’t be distracted.

 Following these few safety tips could save your life. Go out there and enjoy a walk but make sure that you do it safely.