Warmth Brings Out The Walkers—What You Need To Know

With summer strollers and joggers, pedestrian safety should be top of mind. For those using two feet—or four wheels. 

Following are some important tips for pedestrians and drivers on how to co-exist safely:

Pedestrians

Sidewalks are made for walking. This pavement belongs to you. Use it instead of the roadway to ensure your safety. If there’s no sidewalk and you must walk in the road, do so against the fl ow of traffic so you can see oncoming cars—and they can see you.

Corners are made for crossing. Growing up, no doubt, you heard “cross at the corner” or “cross at the crosswalk.” It’s the safest way to cross and where drivers expect you to cross. But even as you do, look left and right. Watch drivers’ faces to make sure they see you. Don’t start to cross until all cars in your path have stopped. 

If you’re crossing a multi lane road and the car in the closest lane stops, make sure cars in the other lanes see you and also stop, before you step out.

Don’t be in the dark. Wear bright colors when you walk so you are more visible to cars. If you’re going out at night, bring a flashlight—not just for your vision, but to help cars see you.

On backups and driveways. Watch for cars backing up in parking lots, or coming in and out of driveways. 

Be alert and predictable. Checking your email while you’re walking is as dangerous as doing it while you’re driving. Stay alert at all times and be aware of cars around you. 

Drivers—care and share the road

Keep an eagle eye out. Always be on the lookout for pedestrians, who can appear in unexpected spots.

Watch when it’s wet. In bad weather or at night, visibility is reduced. Conditions like these call for even more vigilance because pedestrians may be harder to see. It’s a good practice to turn on your headlights beginning at dusk.

Crosswalk caution. This is where pedestrians cross, so slow down as you near. Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. 

Backup beware. Pay particular attention when you back up, as pedestrians may not notice. Many of today’s cars come with backup cameras, which can be helpful in alerting you to pedestrians passing behind you.

Red light, right turn. When you come to a complete stop at a red light before making a right turn, look to the right to ensure there are no pedestrians crossing.

For more information about how you can be a safer pedestrian or a more pedestrian-aware driver, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website. 

Contact us for all of your insurance needs! 

Buffalo Grove and Lincolnshire residents, at R Hobbs Insurance Agency, we can work with you to make sure you’ve got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at (847) 680-0888 or send us a note at [email protected]. We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what’s important to you is protected!

Content source: Kemper