Photo by Monkeybusinessimages, courtesy iStockphoto
Walking is one of the simplest and healthiest things you can do. But it shouldn't come at the cost of your safety. Unfortunately, many pedestrians in the U.S. are injured or die each year.
The word “pedestrian” refers to a person who is walking, usually along a street or road. The word comes from the Latin root “ped,” meaning “foot.” Most of us are pedestrians at some point every day. That may mean getting exercise, running errands, walking the dog, heading to school or commuting to work.
Whenever you're a pedestrian, you're vulnerable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 7,000 pedestrians were killed and more than 68,000 were injured in 2023.
Drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road, like obeying speed limits and stopping at red lights and stop signs. But rules matter for pedestrians just as much as they do for drivers. It might seem tempting to cross in the middle of a block or ignore a traffic signal, but those shortcuts are not worth your life.
“Using intersections and crosswalks is one of the simplest ways to improve your odds of staying safe,” says Jose Torres, PhD, research and advocacy manager with AAA National. “You always want to use crosswalks whenever they're available. Statistically, you're at an increased risk of dying as a pedestrian if you're not at an intersection.”
You should wait for the walk signal but also keep your eyes open. Just because the light turns green doesn't mean every driver will stop.
Before you step out, look left, right and left again. That extra second can save your life. And watch for parked cars, trucks or buses that can block your view of traffic. Or suddenly start moving.
Stay alert while you are in the crosswalk too. We all know distracted driving is dangerous, but distracted walking can be just as risky. Picture this: someone glued to their phone, earbuds in, stepping into traffic without a glance — that's a bad idea!
Your senses are your best defense when you're a pedestrian. Look up, listen and be aware of what's happening around you at all times.
More pedestrian deaths occur after dark than during daylight hours, often because drivers don't see pedestrians until it's too late. During the day, wear bright, bold colors like neon green or yellow to make you easier to spot. Think of traffic cones: they're bright orange for a reason. Even a single bright accessory like a neon vest or an armband can make a big difference.
If you plan to be out after dark, choose your clothing with the idea of being easy to see. Dark clothes like black, navy or brown make you blend into the night, and drivers may not notice you.
One of the best ways to stand out is with reflective clothing or gear. Reflective strips on jackets, shoes or backpacks shine brightly when car headlights hit them, almost like a spotlight. You can also wear a headlamp or use your phone's flashlight. Not only does this help you see the ground in front of you, but it also helps drivers notice you.
After dark, stick to well-lit streets whenever you can. Streetlights can help you see and can help drivers see you. If you need to cross the street, use crosswalk signals and intersections where there's more light and drivers are expecting to see pedestrians.
“But even then, don't assume drivers can see you,” Torres says. “Always operate under the assumption that drivers cannot see you, even if you can see into their car and are taking those extra steps to be visible.”
Choosing where you walk matters just as much as what you wear. Sidewalks provide the safest space to walk and can add some extra distance between you and moving vehicles.
But not all streets have sidewalks. If that is the case, follow the golden rule: walk facing traffic. Facing cars lets you see what's coming and react quickly.
Keep kids safe when on the street
Walking can be risky for children, no matter where they live. Kids often misjudge vehicle speed and distance and are more easily distracted. That's why many schools run programs where trained older students help younger kids cross safely.
“Children often lack the judgment or visibility to safely cross busy streets on their own,” says Torres, who directs AAA's School Safety Patrol program. “Always make sure kids walking to school have a chaperone, whether that's an older sibling, a neighbor or you.”
- Copyright The Nation’s Health, American Public Health Association
