Pedestrian and Traffic Tips & Safety

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR GUT INSTINCTS

When it comes to walking or driving, there are many safety tips to keep in mind. This section has specific tips to cover many possible transportation methods.

Still, the best overall advice for any kind of pedestrian and traffic safety - from avoiding an accident to avoiding a purse snatcher- is this: PAY ATTENTION! When people go on "automatic pilot", they don't see crosswalks, they don't look both ways for cars, and become an easier target for criminals. Staying alert and aware of your surroundings will go a long way to increase your safety and the safety of those around you.

Some general tips:

SAFETY WHEN WALKING

• Pay close attention to your surroundings, avoid "automatic pilot"

• Walk with a purpose; project an assertive, business-like image.

• Use common sense; plan your route to avoid uninhabited parks, parking lots, garages and alleyways.

• Stick to well-lit areas.

• Develop a plan before you see trouble. Crossing a street or entering a store may get you out of a potentially bad situation.

• If a car follows you or beckons you while you are walking, do not approach it. Instead, turn and quickly walk the opposite direction.

• Consider wearing clothing and shoes that you can move freely and quickly in, especially when walking or waiting for the bus.

• Carry minimal items; overloading yourself can make you appear vulnerable.

SAFETY DRIVING

• Know your route before you leave.

• Always buckle your seatbelt and make sure your passengers are buckled up.

• Always lock your doors and put packages in the trunk or out of sight.

• If your car is:
  Bumped from behind, another motorist indicates something is wrong with your car, or your car malfunctions DO NOT stop or get out of your car on the shoulder or roadway, rather drive to the nearest well lit public place and call for help.

• If you see someone along the road that needs assistance, call 911 and if at all possible, do not stop. If you must stop, only roll your window down a fraction and indicate you will call for help for them.

• Do not pick up hitchhikers.

• Do not stop for flashing white lights, emergency vehicles have either red or blue lights.

• If you are threatened with harm, give up your car immediately.

• If another driver becomes aggressive with you don’t engage with them, rather alter your route to get away.

• Don’t Drink and Drive.

• Don’t talk on your cell phone or text message while driving.