Pedestrian Safety
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, more than 80 percent of the time the pedestrian is killed or seriously injured. In Michigan, more than 100 pedestrians die each year. Most of these deaths occur between 6 p.m. and midnight, with many fatalities occurring when pedestrians cross the roadway somewhere other than at an intersection or when a driver fails to yield.
Pedestrians should:
- Use sidewalks whenever available.
- Obey traffic signals, signs and markings.
- Cross streets at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks whenever possible.
- If you must walk along the roadway, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
- Always stop at the edge of a parked car, curb, or vehicle before walking out into traffic.
- Look left-right-left before crossing a street and continue looking while crossing.
- Make eye contact with drivers prior to crossing roadways.
- Be visible: wear reflective clothing and lights at night and wear bright colors during the day.
- Never allow children under age 10 to cross the streets alone. Young children do not have the skills to accurately judge traffic risks.
Drivers should:
- Obey traffic signals, signs and markings.
- Yield to pedestrians.
- Stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
- Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.
- Avoid distractions.
- Obey the posted speed limit.
- Stay alert and take extra caution at intersections, especially when making turns.
- Make eye contact with pedestrians waiting to cross roadways.
- Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path.
How to Handle a Roadside Emergency
Related Links:
- Walk Safe flyer
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program Assessment
- NHTSA Pedestrian Safety
- MDOT Walking and Pedestrian Safety in Michigan
- MDOS Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Tips
- SEMCOG
- Safe Routes to School
- Michigan Fitness Foundation
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
- PSA - Broken down or in a crash? Call for help. Stay in your vehicle.
- Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Results press release
- How to use a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (HAWK signal)
Related Documents
Printable Version of Tips
