Staying safe as a pedestrian is all about awareness and smart choices. This guide covers key safety tips, from choosing the safest places to cross to avoiding distractions and teaching children good road habits.
By staying visible and alert, you can reduce risks and walk with confidence.
Staying Safe
To stay safe as a pedestrian:
Always choose a safe place to cross.
Be aware of both moving and stationary cars around you.
Make eye contact with drivers when possible.
Wear bright, fluorescent, or reflective clothing to stay visible.
Never assume a car’s speed – if in doubt, wait.
Safe Places to Cross
Look for these safe crossing options:
Puffin and pelican crossings
Controlled by traffic lights and a ‘green man’ button.
Zebra crossings
Marked by yellow beacons and stripes. Wait for cars to stop in both directions. If there’s a central island, treat each half as a separate crossing.
Footbridges
Overhead crossings for pedestrians.
Subways
Underpasses that keep you off the road.
Traffic islands
Safe spots to pause between lanes.
Avoid Distractions
Distractions cause many pedestrian injuries. Stay focused with these tips:
Stop, look, and listen before crossing.
Remove headphones before you cross.
Stick to designated crossings.
Road Safety for Children
Children are most at risk of being killed or seriously injured on the roads when walking. Help teach good road safety habits by:
Holding your child’s hand while crossing.
Always choosing the safest crossing spot.
Stopping, looking, and listening together.
Taking time to teach them safe crossing skills.
