Pedestrian Safety
Tips for Pedestrians
Motorists must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, intersections, and all traffic-controlled areas, but what are your responsibilities as a pedestrian to keep yourself and others safe while you walk?
Be Seen. Wear light clothing and reflective gear when walking at night and use a light (headlamp, flashlight, etc.).
Use Sidewalks. When provided, make sure to utilize sidewalks. Otherwise, when there are no sidewalks available, walk facing (against) oncoming traffic, as far left as possible.
Cross in Expected Locations. Cross the street at an intersection or designated crosswalk when possible, and always stop, then look left, right, and left again before crossing. Obey traffic signals, signs, and markings.
Cross with Caution. If there is no crosswalk available, try to cross in a well-lit area. Avoid crossing between parked cars or other objects. Always stop and look both ways when crossing in front of a stopped vehicle, especially if other lanes are moving in the same direction.
Make Eye Contact. Do not rely solely on pedestrian traffic signals. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them, and do not assume that because you can see the driver, the driver can see you. Always be on the look out for motorists who may not be paying attention.
Stay Alert. Just as distracted driving is dangerous, so is distracted walking. Be alert at all times. Keep your eyes and ears off distracting electronic devices – especially when crossing. Exercise extra caution at driveways and intersections.
Share the Trail. If walking on a shared use path, be predictable and keep to one side of the path to allow bicyclists to pass.
Tips for Drivers
Look out for pedestrians at all times, everywhere.
Stop Before Entering. Stop before entering the marked crosswalk limit line or before entering the intersection if there is no crosswalk.
Yield to Pedestrians. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, intersections, and all traffic-controlled areas. Make eye contact with pedestrians waiting to cross roadways.
Stay Alert. Take extra caution at intersections, especially when making turns and use extra caution in hard to see conditions like at nighttime and during bad weather.
Check Before Backing Up. Be extremely careful when backing up and check for pedestrians who may move into the path of the vehicle.
Don’t Pass. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing who cannot be seen.
Resources
Video Library
Take a look at this video from Heads Up, GR! to learn how you can stay safe while walking.
Safe Kids Oakland County, MI worked with the ad agency Weber Shandwick to implement pedestrian safety and distraction education and awareness to students at Southfield High School. Check out this video about the risks of distracted walking.
“Staying seen” by making yourself visible by wearing bright and reflective clothing and carrying a light helps motorists and other roadway users see you, which, in turn, helps keep you safe.
Web Links
For additional information about GVMC’s Safety Education and Outreach Program, please contact Andrea Faber by phone (616) 776.7603 or email.