Whether you’re walking or driving, crossing roads safely is an important skill everyone should know. With so many potential hazards on today’s busy streets, taking the time to cross carefully is critical.
This comprehensive guide covers the essential dos and don’ts of crossing any road or intersection.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary: Always cross at designated spots like crosswalks or intersections. Look both ways and evaluate traffic thoroughly before stepping into the road. Make eye contact with drivers and keep watching for vehicles as you cross.
Choose Designated Crossing Points
When it comes to crossing the road safely, one of the most important steps is to choose designated crossing points. These are areas specifically designated for pedestrians to safely cross the road. By using these designated points, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your safety.
Use crosswalks, intersections with signals, bridges and underpasses
Crosswalks, intersections with signals, bridges, and underpasses are all examples of designated crossing points that are designed to prioritize pedestrian safety. Crosswalks are marked areas on the road with white lines and often accompanied by pedestrian crossing signs.
Intersections with signals provide a safe opportunity for pedestrians to cross when the traffic lights indicate that it is their turn. Bridges and underpasses offer a separated pathway for pedestrians to cross over or under the road, eliminating the risk of direct interaction with vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), using designated crosswalks reduces the risk of pedestrian accidents by up to 90%. These designated points are specifically designed to ensure pedestrian safety and should always be your first choice when crossing the road.
Avoid crossing in the middle of the road or between parked cars
While it may be tempting to take a shortcut by crossing in the middle of the road or between parked cars, this is highly dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Crossing in the middle of the road puts you at risk of being hit by oncoming traffic from both directions.
Similarly, crossing between parked cars can obstruct the view of both pedestrians and drivers, increasing the chances of accidents.
It’s important to remember that drivers may not expect pedestrians to cross the road at undesignated points, making it more likely for accidents to occur. By sticking to designated crossing points, you are ensuring that drivers are aware of your presence and can anticipate your movements, reducing the risk of accidents.
Designated spots are legal and safest for crossing
Using designated crossing points is not only safe but also legal. In many jurisdictions, crossing the road outside of designated areas can result in fines or penalties. By adhering to the rules and using designated spots, you are not only protecting yourself but also abiding by the law.
Moreover, designated crossing points are designed with the safety of pedestrians in mind. They often have additional safety features such as traffic lights, pedestrian signals, or marked crosswalks, all of which contribute to a safer crossing experience.
By utilizing these designated spots, you are taking advantage of the infrastructure designed to keep pedestrians safe.
Remember, when it comes to crossing the road, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Choose designated crossing points, use crosswalks, intersections with signals, bridges, or underpasses, and avoid crossing in the middle of the road or between parked cars.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your safety and reduce the risk of accidents.
Check for Traffic Thoroughly
When it comes to crossing the road safely, checking for traffic thoroughly is of utmost importance. By being vigilant and aware of your surroundings, you can minimize the risk of accidents and ensure your safety. Here are some key steps to follow:
Look left, right, and left again before entering the road
Before stepping onto the road, it’s crucial to look left, right, and left again to ensure there are no oncoming vehicles. This simple yet effective action can help you identify any potential dangers and make an informed decision about when to cross.
Remember, vehicles can approach from any direction, so always double-check.
Check behind you and over your shoulder for turning vehicles
While checking for oncoming traffic is essential, it’s equally important to be aware of vehicles behind you. Some drivers may be turning or changing lanes, and you don’t want to get caught in their blind spot.
Take a quick glance over your shoulder to ensure there are no turning vehicles before proceeding.
Don’t just look for close cars – scan the full distance
Many people make the mistake of only focusing on the vehicles closest to them when crossing the road. However, it’s crucial to scan the full distance of the road to get a complete picture of the traffic situation.
This will help you anticipate the movement of vehicles and make safer decisions while crossing.
Remember, pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility between pedestrians and drivers. It’s important to remain attentive, follow traffic rules, and be proactive in ensuring your own safety. By following these steps and being cautious, you can cross the road safely and confidently.
Make Eye Contact with Drivers
Establish eye contact with motorists stopped at intersections
One crucial step to crossing the road safely is to establish eye contact with drivers stopped at intersections. By making eye contact, you ensure that the driver has acknowledged your presence and intends to let you cross.
This is particularly important at busy intersections where multiple lanes of traffic are present.
Ensure they see you and will remain stopped for you
When you make eye contact with a driver, it is essential to ensure that they see you and will remain stopped for you to cross. Sometimes drivers may be distracted by their phones or other distractions, so it’s important to make sure they are fully aware of your presence.
If you notice that a driver is not looking in your direction or seems unaware of your presence, it’s best to wait until you have their attention before crossing.
Don’t assume drivers see you, even at crosswalks
While crosswalks are designated areas for pedestrians to cross the road, it’s important not to assume that drivers will automatically see you. Even though drivers are expected to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, accidents can still happen if a driver fails to notice a pedestrian.
Always take the extra step of making eye contact with drivers, even when you have the right of way, to ensure your safety.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), making eye contact with drivers is an effective way to reduce the risk of accidents while crossing the road. By establishing eye contact, you create a visual connection that increases the likelihood of drivers acknowledging your presence and stopping for you.
Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when crossing the road. Take the time to make eye contact with drivers, especially at busy intersections or when using crosswalks, to ensure a safe crossing experience.
Keep Watching While Crossing
When it comes to crossing the road safely, one of the most important things to remember is to keep watching your surroundings at all times. This means staying alert for approaching traffic as you make your way across the road.
Even if you have checked for cars before stepping off the curb, it’s crucial to continuously scan for any vehicles that may be coming from either direction.
Stay alert for approaching traffic as you cross
It’s easy to get caught up in our own thoughts or distractions, but it’s important to remain focused while crossing the road. Studies have shown that pedestrians who are distracted, such as being on their phones or listening to music with headphones, are at a higher risk of accidents.
Did you know that according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted walking accounted for 6,000 pedestrian deaths in the United States in 2019? This highlights the importance of keeping your attention on the road and being aware of your surroundings.
Drivers may not notice you mid-intersection
As you cross the road, it’s essential to remember that drivers may not always notice you, especially when you are in the middle of the intersection. This is because drivers are often focused on navigating through the traffic and may not have their full attention on pedestrians crossing the road.
According to a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA), drivers are more likely to be distracted while driving in urban areas, where pedestrian activity is higher. Therefore, it’s crucial to make yourself as visible as possible by wearing bright clothing and making eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.
Be prepared to stop or speed up if a car comes
When crossing the road, it’s essential to be prepared for unexpected situations. This means being ready to stop or speed up if a car suddenly approaches. It’s crucial to assess the distance and speed of the approaching vehicle and adjust your pace accordingly to ensure a safe crossing.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the risk of pedestrian fatalities increases significantly with higher vehicle speeds. So, if you see a car approaching at a high speed, it’s best to wait for it to pass before continuing to cross the road.
Remember, keeping a vigilant eye on your surroundings and being prepared for any potential hazards is key to crossing the road safely.
Cross in a Straight Line
When it comes to crossing the road safely, one of the most important things to remember is to cross in a straight line. This simple yet effective technique can greatly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your safety while navigating traffic.
Avoid zig-zagging between lanes or cars
One common mistake that many pedestrians make is zig-zagging between lanes or cars when crossing the road. This can be extremely dangerous as it increases the chances of getting hit by a vehicle. Instead, it is crucial to choose a designated crossing point and stick to it.
By avoiding unnecessary movements and staying focused on your straight path, you can minimize the risk of confusion for drivers and increase your visibility as a pedestrian.
Cross directly perpendicular to the flow of traffic
Another important aspect of crossing in a straight line is to cross directly perpendicular to the flow of traffic. This means that you should aim to cross the road at a 90-degree angle, ensuring that you are facing the oncoming vehicles.
This technique allows you to have a clear view of the traffic and gives drivers a better chance of seeing you. By crossing perpendicular to the flow of traffic, you can reduce the likelihood of accidents and make yourself more visible to drivers.
Minimizes time spent in the street
Crossing in a straight line also minimizes the time you spend in the street, further reducing the risk of accidents. By crossing directly and efficiently, you can get to the other side of the road quickly and safely.
Remember, the less time you spend in the street, the less exposure you have to potential hazards. By crossing in a straight line, you can minimize the time you are vulnerable to traffic and decrease the chances of accidents occurring.
For more information on road safety and pedestrian tips, you can visit National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Conclusion
Crossing roads safely requires patience, alertness and caution. Always use designated crossing points, thoroughly check for traffic, make eye contact with drivers and keep scanning for vehicles as you cross.
Following these tips and never rushing across the street will ensure you avoid potential accidents and arrive safely.
