Information for Pedestrians

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Tips for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.

Street-Smart Pedestrian

  • Always look both ways before crossing the street. Stop at the curb and look left, right, and left again before you step into the street. Be sure to evaluate the distance and speed of oncoming traffic before you step out into the street to ensure that a vehicle has adequate distance in which to stop safely.
  • Cross the street only at intersections. Do not jaywalk. Use marked crosswalks where available. Do not cross in the middle of the street or block unless a marked mid-block crossing is provided. Do not cross the street from between parked cars-drivers may not see you and it is jaywalking.
  • Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets and continue to watch out for traffic the entire time you are in the crosswalk. Your life may depend on it, regardless of whether or not you have the right-of-way.
  • At intersections, scan over your shoulder for turning vehicles. Make eye contact with the driver. Remember; don’t take those "NO RIGHT TURN ON RED" signs for granted. Always check for turning vehicles before stepping off the curb – motorists make mistakes too.
  • Avoid walking in traffic where there are no sidewalks or crosswalks. If you have to walk on a road that does not have sidewalks, walk facing traffic.
  • Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking near traffic at night. Carry a flashlight when walking in the dark.
  • Always look for signs that a car is about to move (rear lights, exhaust smoke, sound of motor, wheels turning), and never walk behind a vehicle that is backing up.

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