Maneuvering your way through the busy traffic jungle of the city can sometimes be a daunting task. It might be easy if there are sidewalks and separate paths on the road for a pedestrian. What if there isn’t? A lot of unexpected road accidents can happen every day, and at this point, you need to think of your safety before anything else.
Here are easy to remember tips on how to stay safe when walking through busy traffic areas in the city.
1. When walking on the side of the road, walk facing the traffic
You’re thrown in a situation where there is no sidewalk, and you have no other choice but to walk on the side of the road. What do you do? Always choose the side of the road where you are directly facing the oncoming traffic.
Doing so gives you a chance to get a good vantage point to see approaching cars, and gives you enough time to do evasive actions if needed.
2. When you have to cross, cross safely
Don’t just look on one side, look both ways if you’re crossing the street. If you’re passing a busy intersection, your signal will be waiting for the pedestrian crossing light. However, you also need to make eye contact with drivers approaching your way as a few of them might not notice that you’re there. Make signals such as giving a wave, making sure they can see you before attempting to cross the street.
3. Make sure that you’re fully visible
A simple technique to make you stand out from a driver’s field of view is wearing bright colored clothes during the day and consider wearing reflectors and light colored wear during the evening. It’s also advisable for adults to accompany children when crossing the street because smaller children may be quite difficult for motorists to see. Children may also have difficulty judging if it’s safe to cross the street as well.
4. Walk only on one side of the path
Be predictable when walking. Avoiding weaving in different directions, randomly from side to side.
5. Keep the music down
Yes, it might be refreshing to listen to music with earphones plugged in your ears to drown out the busy environment that’s in front of you while walking. However, you need to be hyper-aware of your surroundings as this keeps your guard up and you can avoid potential accidents by having a quick reflex. If you tune out your surroundings, you won’t hear bike bells or honking of an oncoming car which could potentially be dangerous.
6. Never walk distracted
In a fast-paced, digital world we currently live in, it’s easy to be distracted by so many things all at once- texting, chatting, or an app that could leave you engrossed. All of these will leave you distracted and unfocused on your current environment. The more distracted you are, the more you are exposed to different kinds of traffic hazards, passing bikers, and joggers. Make it a habit to keep your phone in your pocket and try not to take it out unless you’re sure it’s already safe.
7. Know your limits
Dehydration, heart attack, stroke, or heat sickness- these can happen to anyone. Therefore, it’s vital to know the warning signs as well as symptoms of these different conditions. By keeping yourself well-educated, you will know when to stop walking and call an emergency number if needed.
8. Walk in a single file
When not separated from the road, it is best to walk in a single file. It’s important to keep that in mind if you’re not walking on a sidewalk or pedestrian lane.
9. Be aware of joggers and bikers
Bike riders may just be behind you, approaching you with a bike bell to let you know of their presence. Let them pass safety either to the left or right as you walk safely in a single file.
10. Becoming aware of stranger danger
Choosing a safe walking route is vital. Choose well-lit paths where fellow walkers, bikers, and joggers frequent. If you feel that something suspicious is going on, it’s advisable to alter your route and go to a public place with many people.
Acting alert at all times will not make you an easy target for criminals.
The takeaway
Every day, serious pedestrian accidents happen in highly urbanized areas and busy streets. Therefore, it is essential to be aware and alert to your surroundings at all times and follow these important tips on how to stay safe when walking through busy traffic areas in the city. However, if ever an unforeseen accident happens- you’re hit by a motor vehicle happens that causes you to suffer physical injuries, click here to access to a top rated pedestrian accident firm now.
Ashley Thompson
Ashley Thompson is a promising young law writer. She hopes to apply her years of study into helping explain legal issues to the public. Ashley loves cooking and often cooks for her family during weekends.
