Pedestrian Safety

Who is a pedestrian?  Any person on foot or in a wheelchair (see Section 130 of the New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law). Even if you drive to work, you’re a pedestrian the moment you leave your car

As a Pedestrian:

• Always cross at a crosswalk or corner.
• Look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT before crossing.
• Always walk on a sidewalk.  If there is no sidewalk, always walk on the side of the road FACING traffic.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Be seen – wear bright or light colored clothing and reflective materials, carry a flashlight at night.
•  Mount a safety flag on a wheelchair, motorized cart or stroller for visibility.

As a motorist:

• Be alert – scan the road for pedestrians.
• Be extra cautious when driving near children or older pedestrians that may not see or hear you.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and when turning at intersections
• Obey the speed limit

Web Sites with Additional Information on Pedestrian Safety

• Walking Safely
• Walk this Way! Taking Steps for Pedestrian Safety
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Child Pedestrian Safety Curriculum
• New York State Department of Health – Pedestrian Safety, Children Ages Five to Nine Years
• National Center for Safe Routes to School
• SafeNY – Pedestrian Safety Index & Overview
• A Kid’s Guide to Safe Walking (2008)