It’s the beginning of fall, which means cool weather and Halloween is just around the corner. But did you know that October is also national pedestrian safety month? Bringing awareness to pedestrian safety is essential as, in 2020, there were about 6,516 pedestrians killed in traffic accidents.
To prevent this number from rising in 2022, it’s important to brush up on pedestrian safety and consider tips that can help protect your community. In this blog, we will discuss pedestrian safety tips to ensure everyone can walk around safely and enjoy the holiday season.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Drivers need to remember that everyone is responsible for pedestrian safety, including themselves. As a driver, it’s your duty to have an attitude of pedestrian responsibility and practice safe driving habits to avoid accidents. To most effectively avoid accidents involving pedestrians, drivers should:
- Avoid distractions: You are much less likely to notice a pedestrian crossing if your face is buried in your cell phone. Distracted driving is the most dangerous and common way pedestrians get hit. Avoid all distractions until you can safely pull over or have reached your destination.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Everyone knows to look left and right twice before crossing a road, but this rule also applies to drivers before turning. Be cautious at crosswalks and ensure you look in both directions twice before moving.
- Never pass a stopped school bus: Passing a stopped school bus is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. While letting children out from the bus, kids may run across the street without even looking. Under no circumstances should you pass a stopped school bus.
- Give pedestrians the right of way: Pedestrians aren’t always safe. They often cross the road without using a crosswalk. Therefore, it’s the job of the driver to take responsibility and yield to pedestrians, even if they aren’t properly using crosswalks.
- Practice safe driving habits: This applies in any situation but especially when considering pedestrian safety; never speed or operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Remember to drive with extra caution in school zones, as there will be a large number of children walking around.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
Pedestrian safety isn’t just the responsibility of drivers. We can help reduce the amount of pedestrian-related auto accidents if we practice safe walking habits. In order to stay safe while walking, pedestrians should:
- Use sidewalks when possible: When possible, walking on sidewalks or paths is the safest option. If neither is available, walk facing traffic and stay as far from moving cars as possible.
- Cross at marked crosswalks: One of the most common ways pedestrians get injured or killed is by failing to use crosswalks. This is very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs, especially at nighttime.
- Stay alert: It can be easy to lose attention while on a nice walk. We’ve also seen a growing number of pedestrians walking around with headphones in. It’s vital to hear car horns and traffic signals around you, so always stay alert while walking.
- Avoid walking impaired: About one-third (32%) of pedestrian-related accidents involved a pedestrian with a BAC of at least 0.08 g/dL. If you are under the influence of alcohol, call a friend, family member, or taxi to pick you up and avoid the dangerous walk.
- Carry flashlights or reflective clothing: As a pedestrian, you should never assume a driver can see you. Carry a flashlight or wear reflective clothing to increase your visibility while walking the streets at night.
Solutions for any Problem with Cobia
National pedestrian safety month is the perfect opportunity to revisit and consider safe driving/walking practices. However, no matter how much caution you take, accidents are bound to occur.
When an accident happens, you need a trustful insurance partner at your side. Look no further than COBIA Insurance. At COBIA, our team can work alongside you to find solutions to any problem you may have. For more information on our insurance solutions, please visit our website and contact us today.
