Pedestrians facing danger
As infants begin walking, they quickly learn of things that may impede their success. Slippery floors, loose rugs, misplaced toys, dark rooms, stubbed toes and much more comprise the trials and tribulations a new walker must deal with.
But even when efficient footwork becomes second-nature, many hazards remain for those afoot, and coping with vehicular traffic is certainly among the most dangerous.
Pedestrians will encounter motor vehicles with virtually every outing, since the routes we use for walking are generally adjacent to roadways. As a result, it’s advisable to follow established guidelines for pedestrian safety.
Reader C.D. showed concern for the topic by writing, “I’m tossing into the idea hopper the issue of people walking along a roadway or street without a sidewalk, who dangerously walk with traffic. Many people walk with the traffic instead of against it – I presume they don’t know how unsafe it is.”
To further demonstrate her passion for pedestrian safety she added, “The occasions that drive me nuts are those when an adult is walking with children and not paying attention to safety. One time I actually stopped to describe to an adult and two school age kids about how much safer it is to walk toward oncoming traffic and why. The two kids nodded and began to cross to the other side of Cliff Drive when the adult called them back saying, ‘you don’t have to do what she says.’”
C.D. is correct. The jurisdiction of every city and state specifies that in the absence of a sidewalk, if you must walk aside the road, you should choose the side where you are facing oncoming traffic. In North America, that is the left side of the road. Staying alert and walking on the left side affords you the best chance to see traffic approaching closest to you and take evasive action if needed.
Statistically, young children and the elderly are most likely to be killed in pedestrian collisions. The best way to avoid such collisions is to be prepared and be aware of vehicles around you. While the law generally assigns pedestrians the right of way, it does not relieve pedestrians of using due care for their own safety.
So, stay on sidewalks when available — otherwise, walk on the left, facing traffic. Also, cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections; pedestrians are most often hit by cars when they cross the road at places other than intersections.
Follow the basic safety procedure of stopping at the curb and look left, right, and left again for traffic before crossing a street. Stopping at the curb signals drivers that you intend to cross. Always obey traffic signals.
Small children should not cross streets by themselves or be allowed to play or walk near traffic. Kids cannot accurately judge vehicle distances and speeds and may make unpredictable movements.
Alcohol impairs the judgment and motor skills of pedestrians just as it does for drivers. Don’t take alcohol risks with walking, just as you would not with driving. Take public transportation, or have a friend drive you home. Beware of the effects of prescription and non-prescription medications and drugs, too.
A few more walking tips: Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets. Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking near traffic at night. Carry a flashlight while walking in the dark. When at the road’s edge, as opposed to a crosswalk, walk single file. Stay aware of bicyclists and runners.
Technology has brought additional peril to pedestrians — avoid being a victim of its influence. Don’t drown out your environment with an MP3 player. Keep the volume at a level where you can still hear bike bells, verbal warnings and other traffic sounds. Chatting on a cell phone while you walk is as dangerous as chatting while driving. You will be distracted, less aware of your environment, and less likely to recognize traffic danger, joggers, bikers or tripping hazards.
When mixing with vehicular traffic, the only thing more vulnerable than a bicycle is a pedestrian. When you find yourself on foot amidst traffic, please follow common sense behavior patterns for self-preservation.
Readers may contact Bill Love via e-mail at precisiondriving@spokesman.com.
