It’s dangerous to navigate the city as a bicyclist or pedestrian. Every year, thousands of people get seriously injured in traffic accidents while walking or riding. In 2018 alone, 857 bicyclists and 6,283 pedestrians died in US motor vehicle collisions, according to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center.
If you are an avid walker, jogger or bicyclist, it is important to follow a few basic safety tips while out and about. Being proactive about your safety could save your life.
Obey Pedestrian and Bicycle Laws
The roadway users most vulnerable to injuries in accidents are pedestrians and bicyclists. For this reason, every state has enacted laws specifically to safeguard pedestrians and bikers from motor vehicle drivers. Most jurisdictions share similar pedestrian and bike laws. Knowing and obeying the laws in your state and county can help increase your protection from accidents.
· Use bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths or sidewalks whenever they are available.
· While biking, ride in the same direction as traffic. While walking, walk against traffic.
· Walk or ride as far to the right-hand side of the road as possible.
· On a bicycle, obey all relevant traffic laws and roadway signs.
· As a pedestrian, obey all traffic control signals at intersections and crosswalks.
· Wear a bicycle helmet if the law in your state or city requires one.
Fulfilling your roadway responsibilities as a biker or pedestrian can help keep your actions and motions predictable to surrounding drivers. A driver may know to hit the brakes and let you proceed, for example, if you come to a complete stop at a four-way stop sign on a bicycle, as the law commands. Breaking the rules could make your actions less predictable and put you more at risk of an accident.
Watch for Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving is an incredibly dangerous practice that many drivers engage in behind the wheel. In one year alone, 2,841 people lost their lives to distracted drivers. A driver who is distracted by a cellphone, fast food, a beverage, a GPS or personal grooming cannot pay adequate attention to the road.
A distracted driver may miss an important road sign, such as a stop sign, or fail to see an oncoming bicyclist or pedestrian. This can lead to deadly collisions. Don’t assume the drivers around you are paying attention. Instead, assume they are distracted. Wait to cross the road or bike past until you’re sure a driver sees you.
Avoid Distraction Yourself
Driver distraction is not the only risk to your wellbeing as a bicyclist or pedestrian. You could also put yourself at risk with distractions. Never walk while looking down at your phone or listening to music. These are dangerous practices that could make you miss an oncoming vehicle. Do not bike while wearing headphones, either. Keep your eyes and ears open to potential dangers, such as a driver ignoring your right-of-way or following too closely.
Increase Your Visibility to Drivers
Poor visibility is a leading cause of pedestrian and bicycle accidents. If a driver cannot see you, he or she cannot slow down or stop to let you pass. For this reason, do your best not to ride your bike or walk around at night. If you must walk at night, stick to well-lit roads and areas in your city. Wear brightly colored clothing, such as yellows and reds, to increase your visibility. Make sure your bicycle has the proper lights and reflectors for riding after dusk.
Walk and Ride Defensively
Walking or biking defensively refers to keeping yourself safe by assuming everyone around you is not using safe driving practices. It is a state of constant anticipation that the worst will happen – a driver will not see you or will fail to yield. Staying constantly vigilant can allow you to react quickly to dangerous roadway situations. It can help you make smart and fast decisions to avoid a hazard and prevent a collision.