Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Walking the streets as a pedestrian is not as safe as you may think it is. Streets in our very own neighborhoods are just as unsafe. Unfortunately many kids face a lot of different traffic dangers as they are walking to or from school, the park or a friend’s house down the street.

Fortunately, drivers, parents and kids have the ability to do their part to assist in keeping streets safe for both child and adult pedestrians alike. Below are some great ways to help keep your child safe.

Child Pedestrian Safety

• Always be sure to cross streets safely by crossing at a corner or by using traffic signals and crosswalks. Do your best to make eye contact with drivers before you make an attempt to cross in front of them. Never make the assumption that if you can see the driver they can see you.

• Be sure to look both ways before crossing and during.

• Use sidewalks or walking paths whenever they are available. Walk facing traffic and far to the left when there are no sidewalks.

• As a pedestrian you should do your best to always be aware of cars that are turning or backing up.

• Parents should always hold children’s hands when in the street or in a parking lot.

Set pedestrian safety rules for your children.

• Children under the age of 10 should never be left to cross a street alone. Even then, adult supervision is essential until you are confident that your child has good traffic skills and judgment.

• Teach children to walk on direct routes with few traffic crossings.

• Children should also be taught to cross 10 feet in front of a school bus and never behind. In addition, they should be taught to wait on the same side of the street as the school bus loading/unloading zone.

• Most importantly, a child should be taught to never run into the street after a ball, pet, person or any other reason.

Help Keep Pedestrians Safe

• Children should be kept in safe places away from motor vehicles. Try to keep play areas fenced off, secluded or away from the street.

• Purchase and wear clothing and accessories that incorporate retro reflective materials.

• Always be weary of children when backing out of a driveway or parking space.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact a specialized pedestrian accident lawyer at Sweeney, Sweeney & Sweeney. It is important that you get the right advice from an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer Riverside County in order to help you gather facts and information pertinent to your case. Call Sweeney Atto
eys today for more information on how they can help you.