We Walk, We Live!
Spring is a time of rebirth. If we translate our feelings into words, we might start with these: rise, leap and move. As the weather warms, people get moving. Employees walk to work. Kids walk to school. You might launch a workplace step challenge. The time is right to share these pedestrian safety tips:
- Be predictable. Walk on sidewalks. Cross streets in crosswalks.
- Be visible. Wear bright-colored clothing during the day and reflective materials at night.
- Be alert. Silence your phone to avoid distraction. Put away your earbuds and headphones to avoid sensory deprivation. Listen for the warning sounds of horns and sirens.
- Be tuned to others: Make eye contact with drivers at intersections. Watch for vehicles entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
Download, print and display this safety poster: We Walk, We Live!
One Road, One Goal
Drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, bicyclists and others on motorized vehicles share the same road. Here are some tips to keep everyone moving on a path toward safety:
For Drivers
- Drive distraction-free
- Look out for pedestrians at all times
- Be extra-cautious when driving at night or in sloppy conditions that can make it difficult to see
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Slow down in congested areas and in school zones or neighborhoods where children are playing
- Avoid alcohol and other drugs; they can slow reaction time and cloud judgment
Download, print and display this safety poster: One Road, One Goal (Tips for Drivers)
For Pedestrians and Other Road Users
- Walk and travel distraction-free; wearing earbuds or headphones can prevent you from hearing the warning sounds of horns and sirens
- Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials when walking at night
- Cross streets at corners, using traffic signals, and stay in the crosswalks
- Be extra-cautious when crossing driveways or walking in parking lots; drivers might not expect you to be there and might not see you
- Watch for cars backing out of driveways or backing from parking spaces
- Avoid alcohol and other drugs; they can slow reaction time and cloud judgment
Download, print and display this safety poster: One Road, One Goal (Tips for Pedestrians)
Attention = Prevention
Distracted walking incidents are all too commonplace. We all carry portable computer devices at almost all times – our phones. We easily can lose focus of our surroundings and jeopardize our own safety.
Too often we’re walking and talking. Or walking and texting. Or walking and listening to a favorite podcast or playlist. All these seemingly harmless tasks can result in cognitive distraction – when your mind drifts and you lose sight of the curb or trip over an object in your path. From this list, can you choose why pedestrians wearing earbuds or headphones are more prone to be involved in crashes?
- Failure to hear the warning sounds of horns and sirens
- Sensory deprivation
- Isolation from environment
- All of the above
We all are pedestrians at some point in the day, and it’s important to pay attention to what is going on around us to avoid distraction.
Download, print and display this safety poster: Attention = Prevention