Drivers and Pedestrians – Let’s Stay Safe

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Light Up the Night on Thursday

Get your “Bright at Night” light this Thursday at Terrific Thursday!

The theme for this week’s Terrific Thursdays is LIght up the Night and members of the Active Living Board Pedestrian Committee will be distributing lights to wear while out walking. When pedestrians wear dark colors while walking at night, it makes it difficult for car drivers to see them, especially while crossing the street. Decatur Active Living is working to bring awareness to pedestrians to be seen at night with the “Bright at Night” Campaign.

Stop by the Active Living table set up near Starbucks to pick up your complimentary light and be seen!

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For more information on pedestrian safety click here.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

walking.joanne.compBe Safe and Be Seen: Make yourself visible to drivers

  • Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials.
  • Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
  • Cross the street in a well-lit area at night.
  • Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars, or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.
  • Click here for Bright at Night!

Be Smart and Alert: Avoid dangerous behaviors

  • Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
  • Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.
  • Don’t assume vehicles will stop. Make contact with drivers, don’t just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone, he or she may not be paying enough attention to drive safely.
  • Don’t rely solely on pedestrian signals. Look before you cross the road.
  • Be alert to engine noise or back up lights on cars when in parking lots and near other on-street parking spaces.

Be Careful at Crossings: Look before you step

  • Cross streets at marked crosswalk or intersections, if possible.
  • Obey traffic signals such as WALK/DON’T WALK signs.
  • Look left, right, and left again fefore crossing a street.
  • Watch for turning vehilces. Make sure the driver sees you and will stop for you.
  • Look across ALL lanes you must cross and visually clear each lane before proceeding. Even if one motorist stops, do not presume drivers in other lanes can see you and will stop for you.
  • Don’t wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while crossing.

 

 

 

Safety Tips for Pedestrians, from the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center

April is Pedestrian Safety Month

Did you know…

that crosswalks exist at any public street intersection, whether marked with paint or unmarked.

Remember at any crosswalks – whether marked with paint or unmarked – drivers must:

  • Stop and remain stopped for pedestrians until they have cleared the lane in which you are traveling (or into which you are turning) and the next lane.
  • Stop and remain stopped for students as you are directed by a crossing guard.
  • Stop and remain stopped for a blind pedestrian using a white cane or a guide dog until the pedestrian is completely across the roadway.