October’s traffic safety focus is Pedestrian Safety.
Most pedestrian collisions happen when we’re rushing to get to work, school, an activity, or home.
Weather conditions and daylight changes in the fall make it harder for people to see.
When driving or cycling, be ready in case pedestrians make unexpected moves.
- Never pass a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk.
- Pay attention to pedestrians when turning.
- Watch for children. Drive cautiously through areas where children could be walking or playing.
- Be patient – especially with seniors or pedestrians with disabilities who need time to cross the road.
Pedestrians
- Don’t assume drivers see you. When waiting to cross a road, make sure cars have come to a stop before proceeding. Make eye contact and wave.
- Don’t walk distracted. Keep your head up.
- Walk on sidewalks. If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
- When walking to train stations, look both ways when crossing the tracks and obey traffic signals.
- Use point, pause, proceed to let drivers know you’re entering a crosswalk.
- It’s important to teach children how to safely cross the street. Practice safe crossing skills to help them learn how to navigate our streets safely.
- Remind kids not to run into the street or cross between parked cars
- Help kids to identify and understand car turn signals and back up lights and to be alert for cars turning or backing up.
- Teach kids to put phones, headphones, and devices down when crossing the street.
