Walking is a great way to add movement to your day while enjoying the outdoors. Whether you go for a brisk walk at lunch or like walking during a calm evening, it can be a fun way to spend time with friends or be alone with your own thoughts.
You may consider walking a safe activity. While that is generally true, there are also hazards to being a pedestrian.
Here are a few ways to stay safe the next time you go for a walk.
Know the traffic rules
The rules for pedestrians are not always clear. There are many cases where people on foot are caught between being polite and knowing the right thing to do.
When you are walking, you should try to stick to marked paths. If there is no specific area for pedestrians, you should stay on the side of the road and walk in the opposite direction of traffic.
Make eye contact
Intersections can be tricky. Although many intersections have crosswalk signals, drivers may not be paying attention to pedestrian signals.
When trying to cross the street, make eye contact with any oncoming vehicles before you cross to ensure they can see you. And you should be sure to walk in the protected crosswalk area when there is a crosswalk.
Be visible
Drivers are traveling at higher speeds. This means that the driver must take in the same amount of information in a shorter time. Sometimes, processing a lot of information quickly means missing important information.
When you wear light and bright clothing, it makes it easier for drivers to see you. If you do not have bright clothing, a reflective vest may be a valuable alternative to help motorists be able to see you.
It is further recommended that you avoid walking in or along the roadway at night, as we see a lot of pedestrians hit by cars when it is dark out. Walking in the roadway at night may give rise to a defense called contributory negligence in North Carolina.
By following a few simple steps, you can decrease the chances of being a victim in a pedestrian accident.