Safety In The Street
Pedestrian Safety is a Shared Responsibility!
There is no one cause of crashes involving pedestrians. Pedestrians and motorists must both do their part to keep pedestrians safe. Children and senior citizens are at a higher risk of being struck by a motor vehicle. Special emphasis must be made to educate children and seniors about the importance of walking safely.
Pedestrians:
- Always cross at corners, within marked crosswalks where available.
- Look left, right and left again before crossing. Watch for turning cars.
- Obey traffic signals, especially “Walk/Don’t Walk”.
- Remain alert! Don’t assume that cars are going to stop.
- Wear reflective clothing when walking at night.
- Stay sober. Walking while impaired greatly increases your chances of being struck.
Motorists:
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Failure to yield carries a $44 fine and 2 point license penalty (39:4-36).
- Watch for pedestrians when turning right on red.
- Obey speed limits.
- Do not block or park in crosswalks.
- Be alert for pedestrian at all times.
Children:
- Cross at intersections only.
- Never cross from in-between parked cars.
- Before crossing, look left, right and left again and listen for traffic.
- Wear light colored or reflective clothing at night.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals.
- Avoid playing in driveways or on sidewalks near roadways.
Seniors:
- Walk on sidewalks and cross only at corners, within marked crosswalks.
- Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing, especially at night.
- Look left, right and left again before crossing and be on the lookout for turning vehicles.
- Make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of a vehicle.
- Learn the proper use of “Walk/Don’t Walk” signals.
- Use the buddy system. Walk and cross with others when possible.
- If possible do not walk at night of during bad weather such as snow, rain or ice.