As a pedestrian, it is important to be attentive to your surroundings. You cannot control everything that is happening around you, but being attentive helps you to react quickly to potential hazards.
Here are some key safety tips that can help you avoid serious accidents when walking.
Keep your eyes up
Distracted walking causes a considerable number of injuries every year. Phoenix has recently seen a 200% increase in fatalities involving distracted walking. Cellphones are a common factor in these tragic accidents.
Refrain from looking at your phone while you are walking. A study published in Transfers Magazine recently found that the greatest percentage of distracted pedestrians at crossings appeared to be texting.
Keep your ears open
Instead of just keeping an eye out when you are walking, you also need to be able to hear what is going on around you. Avoid wearing headphones when in a high-traffic area so you will be able to hear vehicles or cyclists in close proximity to you.
Cross with caution
As a pedestrian, you should use designated crossing areas and wait until they have a walk signal. At crossings where there is no traffic signal, it is not safe to assume that drivers are going to see you or stop for you. Wait until a vehicle stops before you proceed.
Always look both ways before you cross any street. Remember that drivers who are making a right turn may only look to their left for other vehicles.
Ultimately, you need to exercise good situational awareness when you are walking. It will help you stay safe, and it can help protect the people around you.
