| Make the Parking Lot a “No Phone Zone.” Whenever you are in the parking lot, whether you are in or out of your car, put down the phone, unplug the iPod and concentrate on what’s going on around you.
Drivers should keep a sharp eye out for pedestrians who might be:
* walking between parked cars,
* crossing in front of you, or
* more engrossed in their telephone or music than to pedestrians!
Pedestrians should watch for drivers who might be:
* looking for open spaces,
* making sudden turns, or
* more engrossed in their telephone or music than to pedestrians!
Here are some other suggestions from Sidewalk Safety Tips:
Taking a Walk on the Safe Side. Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you have to walk in the road, always walk FACING traffic, so you can see any car that might go out of control.
Dress to Progress. Maybe that neon green sweater vest Nana gave you for your birthday might come in handy. Brightly colored clothing makes it easier for drivers to see you during the daytime. At night, you need to wear special reflective material on your shoes, cap or jacket to reflect the headlights of cars coming towards you.
Don’t Cross Your “T’s.” Cross only at corners or marked crosswalks.
Stop, Stammer Time! Stop at the curb or the edge of the road and check your surroundings.
Making Heads Turn? Stop and look. Stop and look left, then right, then left again, before you step into the street. If you see a car, wait until it goes by. Then look left, right and left again until no cars are coming.
Let’s Take it Slow. If a car is parked where you are crossing, make sure there is no driver in the car. Then go to the edge of the car and look left-right-left until no cars are coming. Keep looking for cars while you are crossing, and remember, walk. Don’t run. |