Being a Responsible Pedestrian

Avoid wearing earbuds and headphones, and texting.

Most of the time, you don’t even think about it: walking anywhere, you turn on your iPod and pop your earbuds in before you’ve even gone ten steps. But listening to music deprives you of some of your awareness of your surroundings: you may not be able to hear a car approaching or another pedestrian’s warning shout. Texting divides your attention and inhibits your awareness of your surroundings. You need to be alert to any circumstances that would require your immediate response. 

Wait for the Walk Signal and Cross only at the Intersection

Don’t think you can make it across the street before a car can. Sometimes it can be hard to judge the speed of an oncoming car, and sometimes the driver is not paying as much attention as they should be. Be safe and wait for the green light.

Push the button to start the walk signal at the intersection– it gives you extra time.

Walk quickly across the street. Never stop in the middle of a crosswalk. Don’t run.

Be proactive

Wear light or reflective clothing during low-light situations, and carry a flashlight at night. Stay out of the driver’s blind spot. Keep animals on your left side on a short leash, so it doesn't run into traffic.
Move over closer to the side of the road when going up a hill, or around a curve as drivers will not be able to see you till the last minute.

Look both ways before crossing and cross at the crosswalk.

There’s a reason your parents drilled these rules into your brain at age two: they are the most basic and most essential rules of being a good pedestrian.

When there are no sidewalks, walk facing the traffic.