Top Tips for Walking Safely

Tips for Walkers

• Developmentally, most kids can't judge speeds and distances until at least age 10, so younger kids need to cross with an adult

• Did you know most walking injuries happen mid-block or someplace other than intersections? Whenever possible, cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks

• Look left, right and left again before crossing the street, and keep looking and listening while crossing

• Walk, don't run, when crossing the street

• It's always best to walk on sidewalks or paths, but if there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible

• Remove headphones when crossing the street

• If you need to use your phone, stop walking

• Distraction among drivers is at an all-time high today, so try to make eye contact with the driver before you step into the road

Tips For Drivers

• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones, before and after school hours

• Most walkers are injured mid-block, not at intersections, so watch out for kids who may dart into traffic or cross where they shouldn't

• Give pedestrians the right of way at a crosswalk

• Using cell phones, even hands-free, makes it harder for drivers to be alert to walkers who may also be distracted on cell phones.