Useful insights on pedestrian safety

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to commuting, but at one time or another everyone is a pedestrian. When motorists must maintain a safe speed and practise safe driving behaviours, pedestrians must also follow basic safety rules to keep themselves safe. According to an NCRB report,  the fatalities of pedestrians stood at 18,900 in 2021. The number of pedestrian deaths also increased from 6.9% in 2018 to 12.2% in 2021. These dismal figures rightly point out the need for immediate steps that should be taken by motorists and pedestrians to make the roads safe. Today, we will share some pedestrians safety tips: 

 

      1.    Pedestrians should face oncoming traffic: It is advisable for pedestrians to take a sidewalk, as they are considered safe for pedestrians. If there’s no sidewalk, it is better for pedestrians to walk on the side of the road facing the traffic. This will help them to see approaching vehicles.

 Sidewalks with pedestrian safety barriers have been associated with increased safety for pedestrians. Providing walkways separated from the travel lanes can help to reduce accidents. Sidewalks with metal crash barriers not just provide a safe lane for pedestrians to walk but also encourage motorists to stick to their specified lanes.

2.    Pedestrians should cross streets using crossing lanes: It is quite an obvious rule that pedestrians should always bear in mind: ---- always look both ways before crossing the road. If it is an intersection with traffic lights, it is best for pedestrians to wait until the crosswalk light is on. Pedestrians walking on the road must also follow the traffic rules just like vehicles such as stopping at the red light signal and paying attention to vehicles if it is moving out of a driveway.

Note: Pedestrians should always be attentive if there is a motorist waiting to turn. It is better to wave your hand or make eye contact with the motorist while using a crosswalk.

3.    Pedestrians should pay attention to the emergencies and problems on the roadways: Pedestrians should watch out for emergency vehicles and proceed with caution until red lights stop flashing. Pedestrians must stay out of the way of emergency vehicles and be watchful of motorists whose eyes will be focused on the flashing lights instead of pedestrians.

4.    Pedestrians should avoid using digital gadgets while walking:

It is advisable for pedestrians to be extra cautious while walking on the road. It is better to avoid using electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, earphones, iPods, and touch screen systems as they are becoming major reasons for distraction. For instance, listening to music with earbuds or headphones on can make it difficult for pedestrians to hear the horn of oncoming vehicles.

5.    Pedestrians should make sure they are visible to vehicles coming ahead: Especially during nighttime, pedestrians should be extra cautious as many times due to low light, visibility is less. Pedestrians who go on walks early in the morning or after dusk must wear bright-colored clothes so that they can be easily spotted on the road. Pedestrians should walk only on sidewalks and avoid vehicle lanes.

6.    Pedestrians must be extra careful with children

Pedestrians when walking with children must ensure that they hold their hands tightly. Children should be taught not to run out into the street or cross between parked cars. Children should be taught at an early age to look both ways before crossing the street. They must continue to look both sides until they safely cross the road. Young children should always cross roads with an adult. They should be taught not to use phones, headphones, and other devices when crossing the street. It is particularly important to teach this to teenagers.