Driving Tips For Sharing The Road With Pedestrians
When you are out driving in the summer months, such as going to work, to an appointment or running an errand, you’re going to encounter people on foot a lot. Pedestrians can show up whenever and wherever – even in places where you think they shouldn’t be walking. People on foot can be difficult to see, particularly in darker weather and especially at night. Keep an eye out and slow down just when you have limited visibility.
Every seven minutes, a pedestrian is injured, and one is killed every two hours. Walking in or near traffic can be dangerous, and it’s up to both pedestrians and drivers to help walkers on the road stay safe. Pedestrians are at a clear safety disadvantage, and drivers have a responsibility to practice safe driving habits and vigilance to keep walkways and roadways safe for pedestrians.
- Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
- Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
- Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
- Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
- Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians
