Kids and pedestrians walking the streets can be a healthy pastime. With the beautiful warm weather that comes with summer, you can bet that there will be many more children and pedestrians spending more time outside on the sidewalks. It can also be a deadly and dangerous time if you don’t follow the rules of the roadway. In the interest of keeping everyone safe, here are six roadway rules to share with your children to keep everyone safe.
Stay on Sidewalks
If you’re going to walk, and a sidewalk is available, use it. Stay on the sidewalk, and walk facing traffic if you can. If no sidewalk is available, walk along the shoulder of the road as far from oncoming traffic as possible.
Cross at Crosswalks
Big city blocks can be long, and you may be tempted to cross the street before arriving at an intersection. Please don’t do that. Jaywalking is not only dangerous, it’s illegal. Cross at intersections and always use a crosswalk if one is available.
Make Eye Contact
Crosswalks make getting from one side of the road to the other less hazardous, but they are not a guarantee of safety. Before you step in front a car that’s stopped at a crosswalk, make eye contact with the driver. Once you and the driver are aware of one another, you may cross the street. This is an especially valuable tip at corners where drivers make right turns.
Be Visible
Pedestrians should always go out of their way to remain visible to drivers. During daylight hours, wear brightly colored clothing. After dark, wear white or light-colored clothes. Carry a flashlight as well to alert vehicle drivers of your presence.
Stay Alert
Distracted children and pedestrians are endangered pedestrians. Enjoy your stroll, but don’t let your mind wander too much. Stay off the phone, and never text while crossing a street. Pay attention at all times.
Yield to Traffic
Don’t step into a crosswalk, even if the light says it’s alright, until you are sure it is safe. Look both ways before crossing. Drivers and bicyclists should stop for pedestrians, but they don’t always do so. Remember that you are responsible for your own safety, and don’t take unnecessary chances.
According to a report published by the Nevada Department of Transportation earlier this year, 2015 has already been deadlier for pedestrians than the year before. Local and statewide pedestrian injuries and fatalities are, unfortunately, on the rise. This number will only climb as more people start to spend more time outside on the streets this summer If you, your child or someone you care about has been injured as a pedestrian, please consult with a qualified injury attorney about any injury questions.
