PEDESTRIAN SAFETy
Cross streets only at street corners or marked crosswalks or intersections.
GENERAL TIPS:
A wealth of additional information about about the City of Seattle Pedestrian Safety program can be found at:
seattle.gov/transportation/pedestrian.htm
IF YOU ARE A PEDESTRIAN:
- Pay close attention to your surroundings, avoid "automatic pilot"
- Pay special attention to all traffic signals and crossing guards.
- Use common sense; plan your route to avoid uninhabited parks, parking lots, garages and alleyways. Stick to well-lit areas.
- Pick routes with sidewalks with good lighting and clear visibility.
- Walk with purpose; project a confident image.
- Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the roadway, always walk facing traffic.
- Look both directions before crossing a roadway.
- Never cross the street against a red light, even if you don't see any traffic coming.
- Plan a safe walking route to school or the bus/transit stop. Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and if possible, with intersections that have traffic controls.
- See and be seen — drivers need to see you to avoid you. Wear bright/light colored clothing or reflective clothing at night so drivers see you.
- Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets to ensure they have been seen..
- Pedestrians do not have the right of way when crossing mid-block. Cross streets only at street corners or marked crosswalks or intersections. Crossing at locations that have traffic signals helps motorists see you.
- Give drivers ample time to stop prior to your entering the crosswalk.
- Do not run across a dark street to catch a bus; cross at crosswalks or intersections.
- If a car is parked where you are trying to cross, look for drivers who may pull out and not see you as they looking for traffic.
- Remember: Telephone poles, utility boxes and parked vehicles block on-coming drivers ability to see you.
- Arrive early for buses and trains, but not so early that you have a long waiting time. Stay out of the street and to wait for the bus or light rail train to come to a complete stop before approaching the street.
- Avoid walking while listening to an IPod or MP-3, Walkman, Discman, etc. with earbuds or headphones; this cuts down your awareness of what’s happening around you and impedes your ability to hear oncoming traffic.
- Develop a plan before you see trouble. Crossing a street or entering a store may get you out of a potentially bad situation.
- If a car follows you or beckons you while you are walking, do not approach it. Instead, turn and quickly walk the opposite direction.
- Wear clothing and shoes that you can move freely and quickly in, especially when walking or waiting for the bus or Light Rail.
- Carry minimal items; overloading yourself can make you appear vulnerable.
- Always hold a child by the hand while crossing the street and remember, WALK don't run.
TIPS FOR DRIVERS
- Pay attention to and abide by all speed limits.
- Watch your speed when entering school zones. Speeding in a school zone is a $189 ticket.
- Be watchful around schools and bus stops for children running into the street.
- Watch for children entering the street from behind buses or running to catch the bus.
- Drive slowly when approaching children riding bicycles and walking near the street.
- Never pass or overtake a vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian is probably in that crosswalk. This infraction is a $124 ticket.
- Motorists should be on particular alert for pedestrians along school-bus routes, at intersections, and near transit stops and centers.
- Pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections, whether in a marked crosswalk or not.
- Stop for pedestrians in all crosswalks.
- On a two-lane road, the pedestrian must be completely across the roadway before you begin moving again.
- On a multi-lane road, you must stop for pedestrians when they are within one lane of your direction of travel.
- Always yield to pedestrians upon making turns at intersection
- Use extra caution when backing out of driveways and driving around parking lots.
- Always pull to the right and slow or stop to allow emergency vehicles to go by. Emergency vehicles have either red or blue lights.
- Don't let your passengers interfere with our driving.
- Do not drive with distractions (cell phones, eating, etc.)
- Don’t talk on your cell phone unless you’re using a hands free mode and don’t text message while driving. It is illegal and you will be ticketed - $124.
- Headlights should be on at all times; it helps pedestrians and other motorist see you.
- Look ahead for potential dangers or people in the roadway or crosswalks; shift your attention well ahead of the hood of your car.
- If another driver becomes aggressive with you don’t engage with them, rather alter your route to get away.
- Do not pick up hitchhikers.
- Be aware of weather conditions, such as ice, before starting a trip, and allow ample time to travel.
- Know your surroundings while you drive, be a good defensive driver. Think outside your car.
- Always have ample driving time, try not to be in a rush. A patient driver is a safe driver.
