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Driving and Pedestrian Safety – Looking Both Ways Before Crossing the Street on the Issue

April 30th, 2014  |  Auto Insurance

At times, road safety can be a polarizing topic, especially when it comes to discussions about the role of drivers and the role of pedestrians and responsibilities to prevent issues and make the roads safe for everyone. It’s not uncommon for drivers to blame pedestrians and for pedestrians to blame drivers for accidents and the dangers that exist on city streets. While blame can only be established on a case by case basis, there are a number of general road safety tips that both drivers and pedestrians need to take ownership of to help make things safer for everyone.

The Driver Perspective

From a driver’s perspective, pedestrians are increasingly becoming distracted and fail to pay attention to what they are doing when crossing the street. Pedestrian, like drivers, are also distracted by their phones and technology while walking, causing them to pay less attention to their surroundings. Many drivers believe that people and cyclists fail to abide by the rules of the road.

Even though a pedestrian or cyclist may be at fault, drivers still have a responsibility to drive safe and be on the lookout for pedestrians in all situations. Operating a motor vehicle comes with responsibility to be a safe and effective driver.

Driver Tips to Improve Road Safety

Here are a number of tips that drivers need to follow to improve road safety:

  • Pedestrians have the right away – don’t lose sight of this when driving
  • Slowdown in school zones, near parks, and residential areas
  • Obey all the rules of the road
  • Never assume that a pedestrian sees you
  • Always come to a full and complete stop at stop signs
  • Make sure that you look out for pedestrians when turning left at a traffic light or stop sign
  • Avoid distracted driving – put your phone down when behind the wheel

The Pedestrian Perspective

There are many pedestrians that feel that city roads are not a safe environment, especially when it comes to children that walk to school. They believe that distracted driving and many drivers neglect for road safety and the rules of the road make it more dangerous for pedestrians that it should be.

While distracted driving is an issue, pedestrians also have a responsibility to be alert and aware of their surroundings at all times just in case drivers make a mistake at the wheel.  Never assume that drivers see you or are aware of your presence. 

Pedestrian Tips to Improve Road Safety

Here are a number of tips that pedestrians need to follow to improve pedestrian road safety:

  • Put your phone away and pay attention to your surrounding when walking or crossing the street
  • Cyclists need to pay abide by the rules of the road, just like cars do
  • Be alert at all times and be aware of your surroundings
  • Only cross the road at designated cross walks, stop signs, and traffic lights
  • Obey all traffic laws
  • Always look both ways before crossing
  • Never assume that drivers see you
  • Cross the street only when vehicles come to a complete stop
  • Watch out for vehicles that are turning at intersections – Make sure the walk sign is illuminated

Final Thoughts on Driving and Pedestrian Safety

 It takes a collaborative and collective effort to improve road safety for all. Perhaps it is time to stop playing the blame game and focus on what each one of us can to be more aware, alert, and conscious of road rules, whether we are a driver or a pedestrian. Together we can make our roads safer. Do your part!

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