Trying to Walk More? 7 Tips to Stay Safe on the Roadside

Pedestrian accidents can happen anywhere, especially in busier cities. Follow these important tips for staying safe by the road!

When summer arrives more and more people venture outside to enjoy the beautiful weather.

This is a great time for outdoor activities and various forms of exercise, especially going for a walk. When walking near a road, you need to stay as safe as possible in order to avoid potential pedestrian accidents.

This article takes a look at important pedestrian safety tips, including crosswalk safety tips that will help keep you and your family out of harm’s way. Keep reading to discover valuable insight into getting plenty of exercise without getting hurt.

1. Be as Visibile as Possible

Drivers need to be able to see you in order to avoid accidents. The more visible you make yourself, the less likely you’ll be hit by a car.

During daylight hours, always wear bright colors. During the nighttime, wear reflective clothes or at least a reflective vest. This will help drivers see you so that they can steer clear.

2. Walk Single File on Roadsides

When walking with a companion, most people have a tendency to want to walk side by side. After all, this makes it easier to talk. But this could be dangerous when walking beside roads.

Keep in mind that roadsides are often narrow, providing limited room for pedestrians. Walking single file will provide a bit of extra space for each pedestrian so that you can stay as far from the actual driving lane as possible.

Then once you’re away from the road, you can feel free to once again walk side by side.

3. Keep Your Eyes Up

It’s easy to get distracted. This is a simple reality of life. After all, you’re out and about, enjoying nature, texting with friends, or perhaps focused on the path where you’re walking.

You need to keep your eyes up and remain fully aware of your surroundings. Drivers might not be paying attention to you, so you’d better be aware of them.

4. Pay Attention

You need to be on constant lookout. Assess your environment, understand where the roads are, and become familiar with the flow of traffic in your area. Remember, it only takes a moment of distraction for accidents to happen.

It’s easy to let your mind wander, but you need to make safety your top priority.

5. Be Aware of Runners and Bikes

You probably aren’t alone on the path where you’re walking.

Runners and bike riders are everywhere. Keep your arms as close to your sides as possible and give others plenty of room to pass.

6. Walking Facing Traffic

Always walk facing the flow of traffic.

This might seem like a no-brainer, and yet many people fail to follow this basic safety rule, which can easily lead to accidents. If you’ve been involved in an accident, Sweet Lawyers can help.

7. Cross the Street Safely

Crossing the street at a crosswalk can still be dangerous.

After all, motorists don’t always stop at a red light. The key is to always wait for the pedestrian crossing light and look both ways before and during crossing.