Educating Adult Pedestrians
The challenge of crossing streets can make a casualty of even a fit, healthy and alert adult. Bad weather, fast-moving traffic, inattention by drivers or pedestrians can make situations worse.
Key messages for adult pedestrians
Some general pedestrian safety messages can be found in Walking Safely. Others include:
- Be predictable. Stay off freeways and restricted zones. Use sidewalks where provided. Cross or enter streets where it is legal to do so.
- Where no sidewalks are provided, it is usually safer to walk facing road traffic.
- Make it easy for drivers to see you — dress in light colors and wear reflective material. It might be wise to carry a flashlight in very dark areas.
- Buy "workout" clothes that incorporate reflective materials and that are highly visible.
- Be wary. Most drivers are nice people, but don't count on them paying attention. Watch out — make eye contact to be sure they see you!
- Alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to walk safely, just like they do a person's ability to drive.
- Use extra caution when crossing multiple-lane, higher speed streets.
Strategies for educating adult pedestrians
- Incorporate pedestrian safety messages into public relations efforts (news releases, fact sheets for local officials, press events, etc.).
- Highlight pedestrian facilities when introducing new infrastructure.
Helpful links
- Pedestrian Safety Talking Points
- This list of pedestrian safety talking points is a useful tool for making presentations to community groups and organizations.
- Walking Safety
- This is a list of walking safety tips to prevent pedestrian injuries from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Pedestrian Safety Campaign Planner
- This information and these resources (e.g., public service announcements, posters, brochures, press releases, etc.) are from FHWA for planning a pedestrian safety campaign.
